Mumbai: Central Railway’s AC locals – a success story. Central Railway’s suburban commuters have given an overwhelming response to AC suburban locals. The number of passengers travelling by AC locals has increased considerably from a daily average of 5,939 passengers in February-2022 to daily average of 26,815 passengers in May-2022 till date. The passenger traffic per day reached its peak on April 4th, 2022 with a count of 51,944 passengers.
Central Railway runs a total of 1810 suburban services including AC locals. With the increase of 12 AC services with effect from 14.5.2022 on Main line (CSMT-Kalyan/Titwala /Ambernath) the total AC services (on weekdays) on Main line has increased from 44 to 56. Now, Titwala and Ambarnath route passengers can also avail the AC services in peak hours. Central Railway has decided to run 14 additional AC services on Sundays and Nominated Holidays also.
The AC local travel is most economical in comparison to other means of air-conditioned transport systems in the city and suburbs. The tremendous response to AC locals has risen after the slashing of single journey ticket rates by 50% with effect from 5.5.2022. A single journey fare for a distance of 34 kms (CSMT to Thane) costs Rs.95/- and for a distance of 54 kms ( CSMT to Kalyan) costs Rs.105/- as compared to the dynamic fare of Rs.526/- and Rs.831/- respectively, charged by AC road cabs/taxi on call.
The top 5 stations of Central Railway in terms of ticket sales (both single and season ticket) for the period from 5.5.2022 to 15.5.2022 are
CSMT – 8,171 tickets
Dombivali – 7,534 tickets
Kalyan – 6,148 tickets
Thane – 5,887 tickets
Ghatkopar – 3,698 tickets
Central Railway has been at the forefront in its efforts to provide a comfortable travel to its passengers and running of AC locals is one of them. The overwhelming response to AC locals has given a boost to CR’s efforts in its motto of giving the best service to its passengers.
