Commuters who had been waiting for suburban train services on the Mumbai-Nashik and Mumbai-Pune routes would have to face disappointment as the Central Railway (CR) has shelved the plan to run trains on the two inter-city routes.
According to the Hindustan Times, the CR shelved the plan to run suburban train services on the Mumbai-Nashik and Mumbai-Pune routes, after a feasibility test highlighted the technical problems. But now instead, CR has planned to operate advanced mainline electric multiple unit (MEMU) trains on the two inter-city routes. The feasibility test showed the local trains, which are wider than long-distance ones, are not suitable for travel for long hours, and may also not be able to pass through the tunnels.
The MEMU trains are leaner and operate on medium-distance routes, and have toilets on board. The trains have steps, similar to outstation trains. Currently, MEMU trains operate on the Panvel-Dahanu Road, Virar-Dahanu Road, Dadar-Dahanu Road and Vasai Road to Roha sections. MEMU advanced trains will have eight coaches, with a capacity of 2,400 passengers. These trains will have cushioned seats, automatic doors, CCTV cameras, and GPS system. A senior central railway official told the Hindustan Times that, “Running advanced MEMU trains is feasible on Mumbai-Nashik and Mumbai-Pune routes.” The Central Railway will receive 12 trains of eight coaches by the end of this year.
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