In a significant move to enhance commuter comfort and address the rising demand for air-conditioned travel, Western Railway has announced the introduction of 13 new AC local train services starting from November 27, 2024. This expansion will increase the total number of AC local services from 96 to 109 on weekdays and from 52 to 65 on weekends, marking a pivotal moment for Mumbai's suburban railway network.

Why the Increase in AC Local Trains?

The decision to augment AC local train services comes in response to a substantial rise in commuter preference for air-conditioned travel. Currently, around 1.24 lakh passengers, approximately 4% of Western Railway's daily ridership of 31 lakh, choose AC local trains for their journeys. This growing popularity underscores the need for more comfortable and efficient travel options within the bustling city.

Key Features of the New Services

• Comfortable Travel: The new AC trains are designed to provide a cooler and more pleasant travel experience, especially during Mumbai's sweltering summers.
• Consistent Service Count: Despite the addition of these new services, the overall number of daily suburban services will remain unchanged at 1,406, ensuring that commuters have ample options throughout the day.
• Replacement of Non-AC Services: The new AC services will replace existing non-AC 12-car trains, thereby enhancing passenger comfort without increasing congestion on the railway tracks.

Train Schedule and Routes

The newly introduced AC local trains will operate on various key routes across Mumbai. Here’s a breakdown of the schedules:

Up Trains (Towards Churchgate)

1. Bhayandar to Churchgate

• Departure: 08:24 AM
• Arrival: 09:27 AM

2. Virar to Churchgate

• Departure: 11:00 AM
• Arrival: 12:27 PM

3. Virar to Bandra

• Departure: 02:05 PM
• Arrival: 03:28 PM

4. Bhayandar to Andheri

• Departure: 04:45 PM
• Arrival: 05:15 PM

5. Virar to Bandra

• Departure: 06:30 PM
• Arrival: 07:44 PM

6. Bhayandar to Churchgate

• Departure: 09:15 PM
• Arrival: 10:21 PM

Down Trains (From Churchgate)

1. Mahalaxmi to Borivali

• Departure: 06:39 AM
• Arrival: 07:34 AM

2. Borivali to Bhayandar

• Departure: 07:37 AM
• Arrival: 07:52 AM

3. Churchgate to Virar

• Departure: 09:30 AM
• Arrival: 10:52 AM

4. Churchgate to Virar

• Departure: 12:34 PM
• Arrival: 01:59 PM

5. Churchgate to Bhayandar

• Departure: 03:32 PM
• Arrival: 04:35 PM

6. Andheri to Virar

• Departure: 05:25 PM
• Arrival: 06:20 PM

7. Bandra to Bhayandar

• Departure: 07:52 PM
• Arrival: 08:43 PM

These schedules are designed to facilitate smoother commutes for passengers traveling across various parts of the city.

The Role of Yatri App in Enhancing Commuter Experience

For those looking to stay updated on train schedules and live locations, the Yatri app is an invaluable tool for commuters in Mumbai. Here’s how it can enhance your travel experience:

Live Train Location Tracking: The Yatri app allows users to track their train's real-time location, ensuring that you are always informed about any delays or changes.

Access Train Timetables: Users can easily find the local train timetable within the app, making it convenient for planning their journeys.

User-Friendly Interface: The app is designed with commuters in mind, providing a seamless experience when checking train times or schedules.

With features like these, Yatri makes navigating Mumbai’s extensive suburban railway system much simpler and more efficient.