Second AC local likely on Harbour, to run CSMT-Goregaon

MUMBAI: Central Railway is likely to run its first air-conditioned local — second in the city after the one on Western Railway — on the Harbour line between CSMT and Goregaon as it expects better patronage from commuters in the wester n suburbs.

A final call will be taken after ensuring that the Britishera bridges on the route, built at a low height, will allow the coaches to pass. The first AC rake allotted to WR had a height of 4.335m against the permitted 4.270m. It was initially meant for CR, but had to be given to WR as the taller rake could not run between Kurla and CSMT which has low Britishera bridges.
“We had requested ICF, the manufacturer, that the height of the future rakes should be within the permissible limit of 4.270m. ICF had assured it will comply. However, we will have to measure the height of the rake before introducing the service,” said a senior official.
The official explained that CR can run the AC local on all its routes, but for now, they are exploring the CSMT-Goregaon option. “The Harbour line has a frequency of almost 10 minutes beyond Bandra. So there is ample path available,” he added. CR expects commuters travelling from Goregoan to Andheri or Bandra (for BKC) and even CSMT will be willing to pay more for a comfortable ride.
WR has been running an AC local between Churchgate and Virar since December 25, 2017. The fare is 1.3 times the first class fare.
“Apart from Goregaon-CSMT, the train can also run between Panvel-Goregaon as most of the grain traders from the western suburbs will prefer to travel in AC,” said another official.