Indian Railway all set for first AC local

Indian Railways is all set for a milestone as it will start its first air-conditionedoned local train. The local train will ply between Churchgate and Virar from December 25. The first service of the 12-coach EMU will commence at 2.10 pm between Andheri and Churchgate.

It will be a New Year gift to commuters in Mumbai from Indian Railways.

The local was brought to Mumbai from the Integral Coach Factory, Chennai, in April 2015. After two years of trials at Kurla and Virar car-sheds in Mumbai, the rake will be inducted into service on Monday. The services will replace 12 existing non-air conditioned services, so the total number of suburban services on WR’s suburban section will remain 1,355, even after the introduction of the AC local.

This will be the first train with automatic doors in the suburban system. The total capacity of the rake is 5,964, with 1,028 seating capacity and 4,936 standing. Twelve services of the local will ply each day on the WR. Of these, eight will run as fast local trains between Churchgate and Virar, stopping only at major stations, which are Mumbai Central, Dadar, Bandra, Andheri, Borivali, Bhayander and Vasai Road. Similarly, three fast services will run between Churchgate and Borivali, stopping at Mumbai Central, Dadar, Bandra and Andheri. The remaining service will run as a slow service from Mahalaxmi to Borivali, which will stop at all stations. It will not ply on weekends as the rake will undergo maintenance.