And now, AC local by July

Mumbai :  It is a train that left Delhi in February 2013 but is yet to reach Mumbai. Now, it is said to arrive in July 2014. Former railway minister Pawan Kumar Bansal had announced in February 2013 that Mumbai would get its first air-conditioned local train by October 2013.

Now, his successor Mallikarjun Kharge has announced that the first air-conditioned local train will run from July 2014. However, insiders say that this is an impossible deadline. Former member of the Divisional Railway Users Consultative Committee Anil Tiwari said, “It is not possible for the train to be functional by July. It will take another 6-8 months. The design has just been finalised and it’s a long road ahead.”

Initially, one AC train of 12 coaches will run between Churchgate and Borivali. Sources from WR said, “One train makes at least 10 to 12 trips during the day. One train of 12 coaches is expected by the month of June. The train will be functional during the non peak hours to avoid excessive crowd.”