Mumbai, April 2026: In a major boost to commuter comfort, Central Railway is set to expand its air-conditioned (AC) suburban train services, with the total number of daily AC trips expected to cross the 100-mark by the end of April.
AC Train Services to Increase Significantly
Currently operating around 94 daily AC trips, Central Railway plans to increase this to approximately 108 services by adding 12–14 new trips.
This expansion comes amid rising demand for AC travel, especially during Mumbai’s intense summer heat.
New Rake to Support Expansion
A new AC local train rake, being manufactured at the Integral Coach Factory, is expected to be inducted by the end of April.
The additional rake will help accommodate the growing number of passengers opting for air-conditioned travel.
Key Routes to See More Services
AC locals are currently running on two major corridors:
- CSMT–Kalyan main line
- CSMT–Panvel Harbour line
The Harbour line, where AC services were introduced recently, is expected to see further expansion due to increasing commuter preference.
Rising Demand for AC Travel
Passenger numbers reflect the growing popularity of AC locals:
- Around 1.06 lakh commuters use AC trains daily on Central Railway
- On the Harbour line alone, nearly 40,000 passengers travel daily, with thousands of tickets sold every day
Commuters are increasingly willing to pay higher fares for comfort, reduced crowding, and better travel conditions.
Long-Term Expansion Plans
Looking ahead, Mumbai Railway Vikas Corporation has proposed the introduction of over 200 AC local train rakes by 2030, aiming to modernise the suburban network and improve passenger experience.
Bridging the Gap with Western Railway
Despite the expansion, Central Railway still trails Western Railway, which operates over 130 daily AC services and carries higher ridership.
Officials say continued expansion will help balance capacity and demand across Mumbai’s suburban network.
