Mumbai’s Western Railway may let first-class passengers take AC train from 12-4pm

Currently, first-class ticket holders can board the AC trains, but need to pay the difference in the cost of the ticket.

With Mumbai’s new air-conditioned local trains running nearly empty during the non-peak hours between noon and 4pm, the Western Railway has proposed allowing commuters with first-class tickets to take the service, at no extra cost.

The Western Railway has sent its proposal to the Railway Board, after studying commuter patterns and earnings on local trains, both during peak and non-peak hours. (HT Photo)

Currently, first-class ticket holders can board the AC trains, but need to pay the difference in the cost of the ticket.

During the four non-peak hours every day, an average of 2,348 passengers take the regular local trains, earning the Western Railways ₹17,403. The AC local train ferries just 1,038 passengers during these hours, and earns ₹44,828.

Opening the service to first-class ticket holders could considerably increase the revenue. “There has been a detailed study on commuters travelling in AC and local trains, and then a decision has been taken,” said a senior western railway official.

Earlier this year, the Railway Board had asked the Western Railways to continue discounted fares for AC local trains to increase ridership.

The discounted fares — 1.2 times higher than the fare of the first-class compartment — was introduced in December, when the AC service began.More than 22 lakh passengers have travelled in the AC local trains since, and Mumbai is likely to get a second AC train by the end of 2018.