Mumbai, August 12: The central government has made a significant announcement regarding the local trains, often referred to as Mumbai’s lifeline. Union Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw confirmed the approval for 238 new AC local trains for Mumbai. He stated that the production of these trains will be expedited, ensuring that passengers can access the first AC local train by 2027.
In a video message, the Rail Minister emphasized, “The local trains are the lifeline of Mumbai. The Government of India has approved the inclusion of 238 AC trains in the Mumbai local network. The previous procedures faced numerous challenges, which could have delayed the process until 2030, an unacceptable timeline.”
He explained that due to delays in the previous process, the government has adopted a new approach. The production will now be handled by India’s coach production teams, ICF, RCF, and MCF, allowing for the first AC local train to be operational by 2027.
According to Western Railway, the approval of these 238 AC trains will reduce crowding in Mumbai’s local trains and provide relief to passengers during the hot weather. Currently, there are only a limited number of AC locals operating in Mumbai, with demand steadily increasing.
Earlier, Rail Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw also assured improvements in connectivity between North Karnataka and Varanasi. Union Minister Prahlad Joshi met with Vaishnaw in New Delhi on Wednesday, requesting an increase in the frequency of the Hubli-Varanasi train service.
Joshi mentioned that increasing the train frequency would benefit not only the pilgrims traveling from North Karnataka to Varanasi and Kashi but also tourists and those traveling for work and business. This would especially ease travel for those heading to Varanasi during the holy month of Shravan.
The Rail Minister responded positively to Joshi’s requests, assuring him that the Hubli-Varanasi train service (Train No. 07323/24) would soon operate three days a week.
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