Mumbai to Get 238 New AC Local Trains, Commuters Welcome Move

Mumbai: The Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has announced the approval for procuring 238 new air-conditioned local trains for Mumbai, marking a significant step towards modernizing the city's overcrowded rail network. The decision was made following discussions with Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis regarding improvements to Mumbai’s local train services.

The move comes after years of delays and political opposition, particularly from the NCP in August 2022, when Sharad Pawar had called for a rollback of AC locals. However, railway authorities have now revived the project under the Mumbai Urban Transport Project (MUTP) 3 and 3A, jointly funded by the state and central governments.

Commuter bodies have welcomed the decision but emphasized the need to revise the fare structure, as the current jump from ₹5 to ₹50 for AC travel is seen as excessive. Activist Mukesh Makhija expressed optimism, stating that the additional trains would ease congestion and reduce wait times, making daily commutes more comfortable. Subhash Gupta from Mumbai Yatri Sangh urged authorities to adjust fares before rolling out the new AC fleet.

With this approval, Mumbai's rail network is set to see a major transformation, offering commuters a more comfortable and efficient travel experience.