Arriving soon: Mumbai AC local enters last leg of trials

The blue and silver coloured local has been going through various static and dynamic safety trials since November 2016.

The wait for the first air-conditioned (AC) suburban local is drawing an end as it is expected to complete crucial safety trials this week. Once done, railway authorities could introduce it for passenger service from December 25 or January 1, 2018.

The first Mumbai AC local train is expected to complete crucial safety trials this week. (HT File)

The AC local cannot be allowed to ferry passengers without obtaining safety nod from the Commissioner of Railway Safety (CRS) that works under administrative control of the civil aviation ministry.

The blue and silver coloured local has been going through various static and dynamic safety trials since November 2016. The first set of trials were conducted by central railway (CR), while the remaining ones were run by western railway (WR) since May, 2017.

Sushil Chandra, CRS, western circle, has already begun the safety trials from last week and inspecting the 12-coach AC local. He has also suggested certain changes in the local considering the passenger safety. CRS is expected to conduct dynamic safety trials of the AC train this week.

Railway authorities have proposed a fare structure between Rs10 to Rs85 and have sent a proposal to the railway board for approval. Railway sources said that they are also planning to allow first class pass holders to travel onboard AC train.

The railway authorities have planned about eight services of the AC local, per day, between Churchgate and Virar stations. It will halt at Mumbai Central, Dadar, Bandra, Andheri, Goregaon, Borivali, Bhayander and Vasai Road.