Mumbai’s Harbour Line will reintroduce AC train services from Jan 26, replacing 14 non-AC services on the CSMT-Panvel route, benefiting daily commuters in Navi Mumbai.
AC Train Services to Return to Harbour Line
MUMBAI: Harbour Line commuters will soon have air-conditioned (AC) local trains after over three and a half years. The Central Railway (CR) will reintroduce AC services on the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT)-Panvel corridor starting January 26.
Details of the AC Train Services
CR will replace 14 non-AC services with AC locals on the 60-km Harbour Line stretch. There will be seven services in both Up and Down directions. An internal CR notification issued on January 12 confirmed that the competent authority approved this proposal.
| Direction | Service Count | Peak Hour Services | Days of Operation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Up | 7 | 2 | Monday to Saturday |
| Down | 7 | 2 | Monday to Saturday |
| Sunday | Non-AC | – | All Day |
A CR official stated, “We will operate seven services each on the Up and Down lines. Two AC train services will run during the morning and evening peak hours.” The morning peak-hour AC service will depart at 9.09 am on the Panvel-CSMT route. The evening peak-hour service will leave Wadala-Panvel at 5.30 pm. The first AC service will depart Vashi at 4.15 am for Wadala, and the corresponding Down service will leave Wadala at 5.06 am for Panvel.
Commuter Response and Demand
Sources in the CR noted that demand for AC locals has increased recently. Commuters have repeatedly requested AC services for the Harbour line. AC services were withdrawn in May 2022 due to low ridership and strong commuter opposition, and the trains were later moved to the Main line.
Commuter groups welcomed the decision. Dinesh Parakh, president of the Navi Mumbai Railway Pravasi Sangh, stated that this move would provide much-needed relief for daily passengers, especially in Navi Mumbai. He said, “This decision will provide huge relief to railway commuters, especially in Navi Mumbai. We already pay higher fares because of the railway bridge and yet have to suffer severe conditions while travelling. AC trains will ensure comfortable travel for everyone, especially as no fares are going to be increased.”
Navi Mumbai relies on suburban trains as the primary mode of transport for an estimated 12,00,00 to 14,00,000 commuters daily. AC locals with automated doors are seen as an important upgrade that combines safety, comfort, and affordability.
Government Initiatives
During a political rally on Monday, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis mentioned that stations in Navi Mumbai are relatively better planned. He noted that the government has recently undertaken repair and expansion work, added escalators, and improved passenger amenities. “We are getting AC trains with automated doors,” he said.
