The daily average number of passengers using AC locals is still close to about 2 lakh, compared to the nearly 75 lakh passengers a day on the full suburban section. Western Railway has received a better response between the two railways

The latest statistical data is importance for the Ministry of Railways to decide to upgrade Mumbai local trains to classy Vande Metro trains. The procurement of 238 Vande Metro (suburban) trains under Mumbai Urban Transport Project 3 and 3A has been cleared

"Between January and May 25, the WR AC local ferried 1.31 crore passengers, registering a revenue of Rs.60.25 crore. In May 2023 alone, with 26.49 lakh passengers and Rs.12.39 crore revenue, the daily average of passengers has been the highest so far at 1,10,374. If we compare this figure with the same period last year (1st-25th May), it was about 8.57 lakh passengers and 3.84 crore revenue, indicating a growth of 309 per cent in passengers and 323 per cent in revenue," said Western Railway Chief Public Relations Officer Sumit Thakur

"Travelling by AC local has also become more economical, especially after fare reductions a year ago. Additionally, we have facilitated first-class quarterly, half-yearly, and yearly season ticket holders to travel in AC locals by paying the fare difference between first-class and AC quarterly, half-yearly, and yearly season tickets for the entire period, regardless of the remaining days in the first-class season ticket," said Central Railway Chief Public Relations Officer Dr. Shivraj Manaspure

A senior transport expert and chairman of Mumbai Environmental Social Network, Ashok Datar, said, "The numbers will not increase unless we substantially reduce fares further. I believe the railways should reconsider making a big investment in AC locals. It would be prudent to convert all fast trains to AC and use a separate track so that other trains are not affected. We should be cautious before converting the entire local train system to AC"