It's too expensive, say second class commuters; ask for more coaches per local
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A Mumbai local on its way. The approximate cost of just three AC coaches would be Rs 10 crore pic/Bipin Kokate |
It's too expensive, say second class commuters; ask for more coaches per localThe recent survey done by the Mumbai Rail Vikas Corporation (MRVC) for Air Conditioned (AC) locals reveals that Mumbai commuters are not keen to travel in AC trains. Out of 50,000 forms distributed to commuters at different locations in Mumbai, 30,000 forms have been received. In this, almost 75 per cent commuters have rejected the idea of bringing in AC locals. Not surprisingly, most of these are second-class commuters.
MRVC has figured out the rough estimate of the fares to be charged from Churchgate to Borivali. It will be Rs 250 for the single journey and approximately Rs 3,500 for the monthly pass.
"First class commuters are willing to pay more for the AC trains, but second class commuters are refusing, saying that the railways first have to increase normal services. We have got suggestions to run partly AC locals," said a senior official from MRVC. The forms were distributed in local trains, corporate offices, streets and colleges so that it could reach the maximum number of people who commute by train. It included commuters from all age groups. The survey was completed in 20 days. There were nine questions in the form with the name, address and other details about the passenger.u00a0
Sachin Upadhyay, a businessman who commutes by trains regularly, said, "I fully agree with the idea. We're ready to pay higher fares in exchange for comfort. Mumbaikars have that capacity. Even these trains will get overcrowded."
Second-class commuters don't second this views. It has also been suggested in the forms that first all the locals should be made of 12 coaches, then it should be increased to 15 coaches and the extra three coaches should be made AC. This will maintain the frequency of locals, benefiting commuters.u00a0u00a0
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Prakash Rao, Chief Operation Manager, MRVC said, "We have got maximum response suggesting a monthly pass scheme." The approximate cost of three AC coaches would be Rs 10 crore and per coach will have the capacity to carry a minimum of 200 commuters.u00a0
