Western Railway Introduces 13 New AC Train Services on Suburban Network
Western Railway (WR) is set to introduce 13 new air-conditioned (AC) train services on its suburban network from November 27. These new services will replace an equal number of non-AC services. This move aims to meet the growing demand for AC local trains and provide greater comfort for the daily commuters.
Increased Number of AC Services
With the introduction of these 13 new services, the total number of AC services on weekdays will increase to 109, while on weekends it will reach 65. Despite the increase in AC services, the overall suburban service count will remain at 1,406, ensuring that commuters have a wide range of options to choose from.
Enhancing Commuting Convenience
The decision to introduce more AC trains on the suburban network aims to enhance commuting convenience for the millions of passengers who rely on the WR services. Vineet Abhishek, Chief Public Relations Officer (CPRO) of WR, expressed his optimism, stating that these additional services will benefit passengers and reduce overcrowding on the busy network.
New Service Details
Out of the 13 new services, six will run in the up direction and seven in the down direction. The up services will include two each between Virar-Churchgate and Bhayandar-Churchgate, as well as one each between Virar-Bandra and Bhayandar-Andheri. On the other hand, the down services will feature two between Churchgate-Virar and one each on routes such as Churchgate-Bhayandar, Andheri-Virar, and Bandra-Bhayandar.
Significance of WR’s Suburban Network
WR’s suburban network is spread across 128 km, connecting Churchgate in south Mumbai to Dahanu in Palghar district. This extensive network serves around 3.5 million daily commuters who travel on these train services. The introduction of new AC train services will undoubtedly enhance the commuting experience for these passengers.
The first new AC train will depart from Churchgate at 12:34 pm on November 27, signaling the start of this upgraded service. It is expected that the additional AC services will relieve the congestion on popular routes and provide a more comfortable and efficient mode of transport for the commuters.
Overall, the introduction of 13 new AC train services on the Western Railway suburban network marks a significant step in meeting the demand for higher comfort levels and reducing crowding on busy train routes. This development will undoubtedly enhance commuting convenience and provide a smoother experience for the millions of passengers traveling on WR services every day.
