Mumbai Local News: AC Train Commute To Get Cheaper Soon

In a welcoming news for Mumbaikars, the Railway Board announced that they are working towards probable reduction of fares of single journey tickets of Air Conditioned (AC) local trains.

This development came as the AC local trains have been receiving lukewarm responses ever since its inception on both Central and Western Line. It is estimated that this could be due to the high pricing of tickets — almost double of regular local trains. Therefore, efforts are being made by the Railway Board to reduce the rates of AC locomotives to benefit the commuters and also increase the passengers turnout.

After studying the fare charts of Delhi Metro and proposed for Metro-7 and 2A by MMRDA, the railway administration will decide and change the fares anywhere in between these two fare charts, said officials while talking to reporters.

The Indian Railways is planning to reduce the maximum fare of AC local trains in Mumbai to INR 80 from the current INR 220. The maximum fare for up to a distance of 5 Kms is also expected to be lowered to INR 10 from the existing INR 65.

If reports are to be believed the Railway Ministry will take a decision in this regard soon and then is expected to roll out official notification.

The sources also added that a list of ticket fares, similar to that of the metro, has been prepared and forwarded to the Railway Ministry.

Earlier, Minister of State For Railways Raosaheb Danve had said that a proposal has been received and he is conducting meetings with officials to make a decision soon.

Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnav and other officials discussed lowering the fares in a meeting not long ago. This came at a time when the fifth and sixth lines between Thane and Diva railway stations were inaugurated by PM Modi virtually on February 18. The fifth and sixth lanes will provide 36 more round trips to passengers.

On the other hand, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has announced that his government is working to increase the strength of Mumbai and as a part of that, it will give a modern and new look to the Mumbai locals.