Mumbai: WR likely to restrict number of tickets sold for new AC train

The Western Railway is all set to roll out the all new AC train service on the Churchgate-Borivli sector. The train is likely to be run on only one line and will start in October

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The Western Railway is all set to roll out the all new AC train service on the Churchgate-Borivli sector. The train is likely to be run on only one line and will start in October. But to ensure that the train runs smoothly and without a glitches, the WR has decided to cap the number of tickets sold to avoid overcrowding.  

As per reports by the Times of India, the train is a 12-coach AC train that is likely to start plying in October. As per the report, the WR is likely to run 12 services a day including two during the morning and evening peak hours.

A WR official said, "We will have to restrict the number of tickets, including season tickets, to ensure that train does not get overloaded. If many people try to get into a coach and get stuck in the doorway, the train may not move on time."

Also read: Mumbai: 10 pc more commuters will travel in new AC rakes, says MRVC

To thwart this possibility the WR had suggested a queue system for passengers with pushers who will make sure all the passengers are cleared of the doorway and do not hold up the train. The WR official also said, "Since only one rake will be in operation, they will have a long wait for the next train. We fear commuters may demand refunds or create a ruckus if they do not get to board a crowded AC train."

As for the fare, the WR officials are yet to decide. One official said, "If AC train fare is cheap, WR can expect overcrowding, but expensive tickets will ensure less patronage. A final decision on whether to cap the number of tickets sold will depend on the fare structure."

There are other suggestions that the fare structure be modeled along the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation fares where there is no concession for season ticket holders. Another thought process is that the tickets should be priced along the lines of an AC chair-cars

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