Central Railway is set to introduce 14 new air-conditioned local train services within a month, boosting the total number of AC trips to 80 per day. With 66 AC services currently operational, this expansion marks a deliberate shift towards providing high-quality, sustainable and commuter-friendly transport in one of India’s most densely travelled railway networks.
The move not only underscores a commitment to modernising Mumbai’s ageing transport infrastructure but also reflects a conscious push towards low-carbon, inclusive urban mobility.
Officials from Central Railway have confirmed that 12 of these additional services will be introduced along the mainline corridor connecting Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) to suburban hubs such as Kalyan, Kasara, and Khopoli. Two services will be added between Panvel and Thane, enhancing the connectivity of the trans-harbour route. By targeting high-traffic stretches and scheduling services during peak hours, authorities hope to decongest crowded compartments and reduce the daily discomfort faced by lakhs of passengers who rely on the suburban network for work, education, and essential travel.
Importantly, the addition of these AC services will not be accompanied by any fare hikes.
By maintaining current tariffs, Indian Railways seeks to make premium-quality services more accessible to the average Mumbaikar. The strategic decision to keep prices unchanged indicates an effort to transition a larger segment of daily passengers towards air-conditioned options, offering a more humane travel experience without increasing their financial burden. As soaring summer temperatures and pollution levels compound the struggle of daily commuting, a cooler, cleaner, and more dignified alternative becomes not just desirable but necessary.
This upgrade is not merely a passenger convenience measure; it is part of a broader push to transform Mumbai’s public transport into a greener, smarter, and more equitable system. As the city strives to become more liveable amidst rapid urban expansion, bolstering rail infrastructure with energy-efficient AC trains aligns with the ideals of building zero-carbon, gender-neutral, and people-centric urban ecosystems.
These efforts will not only ease the daily grind of commuters but also contribute to reducing dependency on private vehicles, indirectly curbing vehicular emissions and traffic congestion. By integrating comfort, accessibility, and environmental responsibility, Central Railway’s initiative offers a glimpse of what a truly inclusive and sustainable public transport future for Mumbai can look like.
Mumbai gets 14 new AC local trains
