Central Railway (CR) will roll out 14 new air-conditioned (AC) local train services across its network aimed at providing increased passenger comfort. The train services will be rolled out from April 16,

But for lakhs of daily commuters, particularly from Badlapur, Ambernath, Kalyan, and Dombivli, the announcement has triggered anxiety due to fears of increase in rush-hour crowding.

“Who are these AC trains really for?” asks Snehal Gaikwad, who travels from Ambernath to Ghatkopar daily. “We spend ₹10-15 on tickets one way. An AC ticket costs almost four times more. It's not for people like us.”

“For me, it's not just about money. AC trains don’t even stop at some smaller stations like Vithalwadi or Kopar,” says Suyog Pawar. “Even if I could afford it, it doesn’t help me.”

The fear stems from the CR’s decision to run the 14 AC trains in place of regular non-AC services. The announcement has not extended any relief to the common commuters.

“We’re not against AC trains,” says Rajesh Ghanghav, president, Kalyan-Kasara-Karjat Railway Passenger Association.

“But these new services should be in addition to, and not replace regular ones. We’re still dealing with rush-hour crowding, and this will only make it worse.”

The addition of 14 AC trains will take the total number of AC locals from 66 to 80.

This isn’t the first time CR’s decisions regarding AC trains have sparked controversy. In August 2022, when CR introduced 10 new AC local trains in place of non-AC ones, the move backfired.

Angry passengers staged protests at Badlapur station, demanding regular locals. The pressure worked and railway officials had to stop the AC service of AC trains and reinstated the old ones.

CR currently operates approximately 1,810 local services daily across the main line, harbour line, trans-harbour line, and the Belapur-Uran corridor. While 80 AC services may seem a small number, replacing regular locals during peak hours can lead to substantial congestion in already overcrowded trains.

Key inclusions in the new AC schedule include peak-time services like the 7:34 AM Kalyan–CSMT and 10:42 AM Badlapur–CSMT trains routes known for their rush-hour crush.

From the railway authorities' perspective, the AC push is part of a larger modernization plan. The idea is to gradually shift commuters toward safer, cleaner, and more efficient options, while reducing crowding and increasing revenue.

“The introduction of 14 additional AC services is a step toward modern, safe, and comfortable commuting. Our aim is to gradually enhance the quality of daily travel for passengers, especially during summer,” Dr Swapnil Neela, Central Railway’s Public Relations Officer said.

Importantly, the ticket fare for these new AC services will remain unchanged, ensuring that the service stays consistent and transparent for existing AC commuters, the official added.