Railways’ New Year Bonanza For The Nation

New Delhi,

The long awaited dream of Nation especially of Mumbaikars for ‘Cool Travelling’ in ‘Air Conditioned local train’ is going to be a pleasant reality, as First Ever Broad Gauge Air-conditioned AC EMU suburban train consisting of 12-car (12 coaches) fitted with Indigenous 3-phase Propulsion system of Ms BHEL on Mumbai Suburban Section of Western Railway is to be introduced on Monday, 25th December,2017. As a New Year bonanza for the Nation and for Mumbaikars, this first Air Conditioned local train will depart on its historical introductory from Borivali station at 10.30 hrs and will reach Churchgate station on Monday, 25th December, 2017. After the introduction the AC local train will be operated on the experimental basis between Churchgate & Borivali stations for a week i.e. from 25th December to 31st December, 2017. Afterwards w.e.f. 1st January, 2018, this AC local train will be operated on regular basis as per the scheduled time table between Churchgate & Virar stations. Accordingly, w.e.f. 1st January, 2018, total 12 services (6 services in UP & 6 services in DOWN direction) of  AC suburban train will be operated on weekdays only i.e. from Monday to Friday. It is decided that on Saturdays & Sundays, the rake of AC local train will not be operated for maintenance purpose.

As per the regular scheduled time table w.e.f. 1st January, 2018 , the services of AC local train will replace existing 12 Non AC services, so the total average number of suburban services on WR’s suburban section will remain 1355, even after introduction of AC local train. Out of these 12 services of AC local train, 8 will run as fast local trains between Churchgate & Virar, stopping only at major stations i.e. Mumbai Central, Dadar, Bandra, Andheri, Borivali, Bhayander & Vasai Road in both directions. Similarly 3 fast services will run between Churchgate & Borivali stopping at Mumbai Central, Dadar, Bandra & Andheri stations in both directions. The remaining one service will run as slow service from Mahalaxmi to Borivali, which will stop at all intermediate stations. It has been decided that the AC EMU rake will be placed at Borivali station to start the introductory run at 10.30 hrs on 25th December, 2017.

In this AC local train, coaches reserved for Ladies & Seats earmarked  for Senior Citizens/Divyangs are different from Standard Configuration. 1st and 12th coach from Churchgate end are earmarked as Ladies coaches and 7 seats in 2nd and 11th coach from Churchgate end are earmarked for Senior citizens while 10 seats in 4th and 7th coach from Churchgate end are earmarked for Divyangs. It is also decided that suitable number of RPF constables will be deployed in each coach of this train to ensure proper security. Similarly, technicians will also be deputed in the train for trouble shooting purpose. Suitable announcements will also be ensured for opening of the door as per the platform position of upcoming station.

Fare Structure for AC local train :-

The fare structure of AC EMU service shall be as under :- 1) Base fare of the single journey of AC EMU shall be 1.3 times of the base fare of  existing fare of single journey ticket for first

class. However as an introductory offer for a period of initial six months, the base fare of single journey of AC EMU shall be charged 1.2 times of the base fare of existing fare of single journey ticket of first class.  The difference between 1.3 times and 1.2 times will be shown in the ticket as discount during the introductory period.

2) Season tickets :- Weekly, Fortnightly and monthly season tickets shall be charged equivalent  to 5, 7.5 and 10 single journey of AC EMU respectively. No other type of season tickets shall be issued for the time being.

3) AC EMU ticket holder shall also be allowed to travel by first class compartments of local trains.