Mumbai: Tensions escalated at Bhayandar station on Monday morning as a large number of commuters gathered at the station manager’s cabin to protest the conversion of the 8:24 am Bhayandar-Churchgate local train into an air-conditioned (AC) service. This move, implemented last week, has drawn criticism from regular passengers who rely on this specific service to reach Churchgate by 10 am.
The Western Railway (WR) increased the number of AC local services starting November 27, 2024, by replacing some non-AC trains. Among the affected services is the popular 8:24 am Bhayandar local. Massive police and GRP deployment were seen at the station to avoid any untoward event or major protest by commuters.
Police & GRP deployed at Bhayandar station | FPJ
However, not all passengers oppose the change. Ria Sharma, a commuter from Bhayandar, supported the decision, highlighting that an alternative non-AC train departs just 10 minutes earlier.
“I support this decision by the Railways though. There is a train that leaves from Bhayandar just a few minutes before the 8:24 am regular Bhayandar local, which can be taken by those opting for a non-AC option. The decision of running an AC local by the authorities had been indeed taken by keeping the commuters’ convenience in mind. In fact, the new train is almost packed when it leaves from Bhayandar, which means there are a lot of people who want to travel by AC local,” Sharma, a regular commuter from Bhayandar told FPJ.
WR Introduces 13 Additional AC Local Trains
In response to the growing demand for AC services, WR introduced 13 additional AC local train services. Despite the changes, the total number of suburban train services remains the same, as non-AC services have been replaced rather than added. The decision aims to ease congestion and offer a more comfortable travel experience.
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According to WR, these new AC services include six trains in the UP direction and seven in the down direction. Of the 13 services, ten will be fast trains, while three will operate as slow services. This move brings the total number of AC services to 109 on weekdays and 65 on weekends, up from the previous 96 and 52, respectively. The daily ridership of AC locals is now around 1.25 lakh passengers.
An official explained, “The introduction of additional AC services is intended to reduce crowding and enhance comfort for commuters. While some adjustments are necessary, the goal is to strike a balance between convenience and demand.”
A regular ticket from Bhayandar to Churchgate costs Rs 15 for the second class, Rs 90 for a first class ticket. The same distance costs Rs 100 while opting for an AC train option.
