AC stops working in Mumbai local train, angry commuters pull chain after it gets suffocating

This is the second Friday in a row that there has been a problem with the AC train, which runs on the western line.

mumbai Updated: Jun 22, 2018 11:42 IST
Wester Railway operates 12 AC services daily on the Chuchgate-Virar corridor, except on weekends.(HT File Photo)

Commuters who travel by Mumbai’s suburban AC local train were miffed on Friday morning after the air-conditioning in the 7.54 am Churchgate-bound local stop working. This is the that there has been a problem with the AC train.

Last week, on June 15, Western Railway (WR) cancelled the AC train service, without prior intimation, for maintenance work.

On Friday morning, passengers complained that it got suffocating inside the train and impossible to stay in after the air-conditioning stopped working. The temperature inside the compartments reportedly shot up to 36 degrees Celsius, forcing commuters to pull the chain after which the train was halted at Andheri station.

However, the problem with the air-conditioning could not be fixed, and the train was taken to the car shed for repair. “The train has been taken to the Mahalaxmi car shed and the issue is being fixed. Services will resume once the problem is rectified,” said a WR official, who did not wish to be named.

Angry commuters got into an argument with Railway Protection Force personnel and railway authorities at Andheri station, and later complained on Twitter. “AC local 7.54 am from Borivali to Churchgate, AC not working we complained to the motorman twice but still not resolved we all are suffering from suffocation train about to reach Andheri,” tweeted commuter Mayur Vaniya. Another commuter, Paras Gangwal, tweeted: “AC not working in AC local 7.54 am from Borivali. It’s suffocating in coaches @PiyushGoyal @drmbct please help urgently.”

Soon after, WR tweeted out an apology. “Due to technical problem in working of AC in 3 coaches of AC local, the services of AC local has been cancelled today till further repairs. Inconvenience to commuters is highly regretted please.”

WR introduced the first AC local in Mumbai six months ago, on December 25, 2017. It operates 12 AC services daily on the Churchgate-Virar corridor, except on weekends.