Two Additional AC Services Strengthen WR Connectivity
By Sitaram Mewati l Mumbai
Western Railway has expanded its air-conditioned local train operations on the Mumbai suburban network, giving commuters more options for comfortable travel during the week. The revised suburban timetable, effective from September 1, has increased the number of weekday AC local services from 145 to 147.
The increase is part of a wider reshuffle of suburban services aimed at matching train operations with passenger demand and making better use of existing railway infrastructure. While the overall number of suburban services remains unchanged at 1,414, selected services have been introduced, withdrawn or modified under the new timetable.
As part of the changes, two existing non-AC services have been converted into AC services. The Churchgate–Borivali service departing at 5.28 pm and the Borivali–Churchgate service departing at 6.24 pm will now operate as AC locals, providing additional air-conditioned options during the evening period.
Morning commuters from the extended suburbs will also benefit from the conversion of the 7.59 am Virar–Churchgate service into an AC local. Another Virar–Dadar service departing at 8.23 am has been extended to Churchgate, providing an additional morning connection towards South Mumbai.
The revised timetable also includes operational changes around Borivali during evening peak hours. Selected Churchgate–Virar services will skip Borivali on a trial basis, while an alternative AC service will continue to provide connectivity to the station. The changes are intended to improve train movement and reduce congestion at the busy suburban station.
The timetable also introduces adjustments and additional services on sections of the Borivali, Bhayandar and Virar corridors, including during late-evening hours. These changes are expected to give commuters greater flexibility beyond conventional peak travel periods.
With AC locals becoming an increasingly important component of Mumbai’s suburban rail network, the latest expansion provides passengers with more comfortable travel choices while Western Railway continues to optimise its existing services.
Editor in Chief : Mewati SItaram
