The Central Railway’s (CR) recent spate of AC local train cancellations has ignited widespread discontent among commuters. Frustrated passengers are demanding refunds for the inconvenience caused and improved service reliability. The root cause of the cancellations lies in a technical failure affecting one of the CR’s air-conditioned rakes.
With limited spare rakes available, the railway has been forced to cancel AC local services, leading to significant disruptions for commuters who have paid a premium for this service. Passengers have expressed dismay at being forced to travel in regular local trains, which are often overcrowded and lack the comfort and amenities offered by AC locals. Despite paying higher fares, commuters are being denied the service they have paid for. The introduction of AC local trains in Mumbai was initially met with enthusiasm, and ridership has steadily increased.
The recent cancellations have eroded passenger confidence and raised questions about the CR’s ability to provide reliable and consistent service. The President of the Suburban Railway Passenger Association has called for the withdrawal of AC local services from main routes like Harbour and Trans Harbour if the CR cannot ensure their consistent operation. He argues that it is unfair to passengers who have invested in AC local passes but are frequently left stranded. The Rail Yatri Parishad has also echoed the demand for refunds for AC local pass holders and emphasized the need to increase the availability of AC rakes to meet the growing demand.
The frequent cancellations of AC local trains have highlighted the challenges faced by Mumbai’s suburban rail network. The CR must take immediate steps to address the underlying issues and ensure that commuters are not penalized for the railway’s shortcomings. By providing reliable and efficient AC local services, the CR can regain the trust of its passengers and contribute to the overall improvement of Mumbai’s transportation infrastructure.
