Mumbai’s air-conditioned local train services, introduced to offer a more comfortable commute, are increasingly becoming a source of frustration for passengers due to frequent delays and disruptions. Commuters are reporting that despite paying a premium fare for AC travel, they are experiencing significant delays, overcrowding, and technical issues that mirror the problems faced on non-AC services.
Overcrowding Leads to Door Malfunctions and Cascading Delays
A primary cause for the delays on the Western Line has been severe overcrowding in AC local trains, leading to prolonged station halts. Reports indicate that train doors are failing to close due to the sheer volume of passengers, forcing trains to remain stationary for extended periods, sometimes up to 90 seconds, which is three times longer than the standard operational time. This obstruction in door closure then has a cascading effect, impacting the punctuality of subsequent services across the suburban network. This issue has been particularly noted on busy corridors like Virar–Churchgate and Borivali–Churchgate.
Technical Issues and Service Disruptions
Beyond overcrowding, AC local trains have also been affected by technical glitches. In some instances, AC EMU services have had to operate as non-AC local services due to unforeseen technical issues. This has led to a temporary suspension of AC services on certain routes, causing inconvenience to passengers who specifically opt for AC travel. Furthermore, there have been instances where AC trains have been cancelled, adding to the overall strain on the network.
Increased Services, Increased Woes
In response to rising demand, both Western Railway and Central Railway have been expanding their AC local services. Western Railway recently increased its AC local services, and Central Railway is set to scale up its AC suburban operations, crossing the 100-services mark. Despite these expansions aimed at improving commuter experience, the increase in services appears to have, in some cases, exacerbated existing problems by replacing non-AC services and leading to further overcrowding on the remaining conventional trains.
Commuter Frustration and Calls for Accountability
Commuters have expressed significant dissatisfaction, feeling that they are paying extra for a service that does not consistently deliver on punctuality and comfort. Passenger associations have blamed the situation on the recent replacement of non-AC services with AC locals, particularly during peak hours when passenger desperation to reach workplaces leads them to board any available train. Some commuters have gone as far as to issue stern warnings to railway officials, demanding punctual running of trains or their resignation. Reports from the Central Line also highlight similar issues, with AC trains reportedly delayed by an average of 30 minutes, contributing to daily hardship for millions of Mumbaikars.
Railways Implementing Measures to Improve Punctuality
In an effort to combat the delays and improve the efficiency of AC local services, Western Railway has deployed a dedicated squad to fine ticketless passengers. This measure aims to reduce overcrowding caused by unauthorized travellers and improve the door-closing mechanism, thereby enhancing overall train punctuality. Fines collected from ticketless travellers have reportedly contributed to improving the situation, though challenges remain. Additionally, both railway zones are exploring ways to optimize schedules and operational constraints, such as introducing longer 15-coach trains to increase capacity without necessarily increasing the total number of services, and rerouting some services to manage passenger flow more effectively.
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The Chenab Times News Desk
