07 May,2024 01:37 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Mumbai AC local interiors. Pic/Suresh Karkera
The popularity of AC local services on the Western Railway (WR) is growing rapidly, with an increasing proportion of passengers choosing these air-conditioned trains. This trend is seen in the increasing number of passengers travelling on AC locals. On May 6, 2024, WR distributed 3737 season tickets to AC locals, the greatest amount ever recorded. This milestone demonstrates the growing demand for air-conditioned travel options among passengers.
According to the data presented by the Western Railway, from May 1 to May 6, the total number of passengers who travelled on the local train stood at 9, 16, 093.
"The popularity of AC local services among commuters over WR is growing day by day. This is evident from the fact that the number of commuters travelling by AC locals is showing an upward trend. It is pertinent to mention that on 6th May 2024, the number of season tickets issued, i.e. 3737 was the highest, ever since the induction of AC locals over WR," the Western Railway said in their press statement.
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Furthermore, in May 2024 (up to May 6), a total of 1,60,645 tickets for AC local services were booked, representing a considerable rise of more than 30% over the same period last year. This rise in tickets demonstrates the increasing popularity and acceptance of AC trains among commuters.
The data stated that in May 2023-24, the average ridership for AC locals was 1, 06, 925 and the average ridership for May in 2024-25 until now is 1, 52, 682.
Currently, Western Railway provides 96 AC services on weekdays, with 7 rakes on its suburban portion. This wide network of AC trains offers passengers easy and comfortable travel options, adding to the growing demand for AC local services.
"In May 2024, (up to 06.05.2024), 1,60,645 tickets have been booked which is more than 30 per cent as compared to the corresponding period last year. Presently, Western Railway runs 96 AC services on weekdays with 7 rakes on its suburban section," the WR further stated.
The constant increase in the number of passengers choosing AC locals demonstrates the efficiency of WR's efforts to suit commuters' changing demands and preferences.
