WR soon to get all 15 coaches local train

From the existing 26 local trains with 15 coaches introduced earlier this week, ten run on the fast lines and others on the slow lines. WR had last month introduced additional space for women commuters in 15 car coaches as well.

Mumbai: The Western Railway (WR) has planned to gradually turn all suburban trains to 15 coaches in the next few years and provide 36 additional service trains. A few days ago, WR converted 26 trains to 15 rakes from the existing 12 rakes. This increased the carrying capacity of each train by 25 per cent.

As platforms on the Western railway are already fit for 15 coach trains there was hardly any infrastructural development done before introducing the same. (HT PHOTO)

“The number of trains has not increased; we have only added three coaches to 26 trains,” said an officer from WR. “This has increased the number of services of 15 coach local trains from 106 to 132. Moreover, there are plans to increase and provide an additional 36 services of 15 coach trains.”

From the existing 26 local trains with 15 coaches introduced earlier this week, ten run on the fast lines and others on the slow lines. WR had last month introduced additional space for women commuters in 15 car coaches as well.

“The number of commuters using the local trains continues to rise every year,” added the officer.

He added that the response to air-conditioned locals has also been overwhelming hence they are making such additional provisions to make space for commuters.

“This week itself we have managed to increase the carrying capacity of each train by 25%,” said the officer.

Commuters are happy with this decision, “Unlike earlier, trains are crowded throughout the day nowadays, it doesn’t seem like the peak hour concept exists. In such situations space is always a constraint, if WR is providing additional coaches and seating space for commuters it will enable more people to board the train,” said Urvee Jain, 39, a resident of Borivali.

She added that there could be a slight relief in crowds as well.

As platforms on the Western railway are already fit for 15 coach trains there was hardly any infrastructural development done before introducing the same.

Passenger associations also welcome this decision, Kamlesh Shah, a member of Bhartiya Rail Pravasi and Welfare Association, said, “Keeping in mind the increasing population and demand for local trains, there is a need for railways to increase their capacity time and again.”