Trouble with AC local train to continue even after addition of nine: Western Railway

The trouble with AC local trains is likely to continue even with 9 more coming in the second phase by March 2019. The Western Railway officials claim that despite the changes asked by them to the Integral Coach Factory Chennai, there are chances that these won't be incorporated. This would mean that troubles with door closure, rectification in temperature of air conditioning etc that delay train punctuality shall continue.

As it has been affecting smooth running of trains, the WR wanted some changes to be done in the future lot of AC local trains. "We had asked for changes after making thorough inspection. However we have been informed that as the contract doesn't these provisions, it will be difficult to incorporate them," said a senior WR official.

These included better door closing mechanism, thoroughly controlled AC temperature, levelled flooring inside vestibule coaches and pathway on the roof to technical staff to maintain and repair AC units and other paraphernalia. There have been constant complaints of door not closing on time during its running.

The AC local stops at any station for about 40-45 seconds on an average. This includes the period when the door opens, people alight, board and door closes. This is way more than what conventional locals take time which is nearly 15-20 seconds depending on time and place.

This is the reason some section of WR officials are skeptical to operate AC locals during peak hours when more rakes join the fleet. Also as against a regular train 3 times lesser people ferry inside AC local, on an average.

"We will be inspecting the new AC locals as and when they enter," said Sanjay Mishra, Divisional Railway Manager (Mumbai), Western Railway.

"On an average the AC local takes 1.5 times more time to resume once it makes an halt at a station. So it is difficult to add more AC train services during peak hours," said a WR official. The WR has a punctuality of 90 percent or so.

By March, 9 more AC trains will join the fleet that is expected to run on CR and WR. Additional three AC rakes will come after mid-2019. The WR authorities are running 12 services of AC local every day - one each during morning and evening peak hours respectively.

So far, an upgradation of 515 first-class season tickets as well as another 517 first class single journey tickets to the AC local has been recorded by WR. Also the authorities have decided to allow all first class commuters to travel in AC local between 12-4pm.