Idle AC Local Train Sparks Debate: Should Central Railway’s Unused Rake Serve Western Railway’s Bhayandar Commuters?

Mumbai, Maharashtra, India: A debate has sparked in Mumbai over the underutilization of an air-conditioned (AC) local train recently received by Central Railway (CR). The train remains idle despite its potential to alleviate overcrowding on Western Railway (WR) routes, particularly for commuters from Bhayandar. Many passengers are advocating for the transfer of the unused rake to WR, hoping to ease the commuter strain.

In November 2024, CR received a 12-car AC local train modeled after the Vande Bharat design. While the train was expected to enhance passenger comfort, it remains in storage with no timeline for deployment, leaving commuters frustrated.

Bhayandar passengers are growing increasingly frustrated due to overcrowding, especially during peak hours. Rajiv Singal from WR’s Consultative Committee has urged authorities to move the unused CR AC rake to WR to help address the significant demand for AC services on the Bhayandar route. The transfer could help mitigate the frequent overcrowding of non-AC trains.

Currently, trains from Bhayandar to Churchgate are often overcrowded, with standing passengers during peak hours. WR has been converting non-AC trains into AC ones to meet rising demand, but much more needs to be done. The unused AC rake presents an opportunity to offer relief.

In the past, Indian Railways has adjusted resources across zones to meet passenger needs, such as reallocating trains during the COVID-19 pandemic. This shows that repurposing the unused AC rake could be a feasible solution to address the ongoing demand in Western Railway's commuter routes.

The debate over the unused AC train highlights the challenges of managing Mumbai’s suburban network. A collaborative approach between Central and Western Railway could provide relief to overcrowded routes, ensuring efficient use of resources and better commuter experience.