CR's AC local train services between Kalyan-CSMT receive very low response on Day 1

The Central Railway’s (CR) air-conditioned (AC) local train service between Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) and Kalyan received a cool reception on the first day of its operations.

On Thursday, December 17, the CR, introduced 10 AC local train services between CSMT and Kalyan on the slow railway line corridor on a trial basis. It received an extremely low response as only 22 passengers travelled.

Out of the total passengers travelled, only two were monthly pass holders on the busiest route of the suburban corridor. The train has a sitting capacity of 1,028 passengers and has a total capacity of 5,964 passengers.

The AC locals received less response as commuters are not aware of the services and currently only essential staffers, select professionals and women are allowed to travel via local trains. But CR officials believe that in future, it is expected that this service will get a good response. This is the first time AC local is operated between CSMT and Kalyan.

While the response1 has not been great but that did not stop commuters from demanding an increase in the frequency of AC local trains during peak hours and even urged the authorities to ply on the fast railway lines.

Train services are operational only for people working in essential services, differently-abled and cancer patients, women commuters and lawyers are also allowed to commute in restrictive time.

The fare of the AC local train is 1.3 times higher than that of normal local trains. A one-way ticket to travel from CSMT to Dadar costs ₹65; CSMT to Kurla costs ₹125; CSMT to Thane costs ₹180 and the fare to Kalyan costs ₹210.

A statement released by the Central Railway, on December 16, stated that the trains will be operated from Monday to Saturday only and will halt at all stations. Passengers are advised to adhere to all norms, SOPs related to COVID-19 during the boarding, travel and at the destination.

Read More: Here is the timetable of the 10 CR AC local services between CSMT-Kalyan

CR operated its first AC local train on the trans-harbour route between Thane-Vashi and Panvel railway stations on January 30, 2020, but had to shelve them after the lockdown was imposed.