Shiv Sena UBT Protests Conversion of Non-AC Train to AC Local in Mumbai | Mumbai News

Mumbai: The Shiv Sena (UBT) on Monday staged a protest against the conversion of a non-AC local train to an AC local on the Bhayander-Churchgate route. However, Western Railway (WR) officials dismissed the protest as politically motivated, stating that the change was based on passenger demand.
Protesters at Bhayander station organised a signature campaign and submitted a memorandum to station authorities, demanding the reinstatement of the regular train service.
On Nov 26, WR introduced 13 new AC local trains by replacing an equal number of non-AC services in its timetable, citing a growing preference for air-conditioned services among commuters.
The protest specifically targeted the conversion of the 8:24 am Bhayander-Churchgate non-AC local into an AC train. Shiv Sena (UBT) alleged that this move inconvenienced non-AC passengers who rely on affordable travel options.
A WR official, speaking on condition of anonymity, defended the decision, saying: “The conversion was driven by the overwhelming demand for AC locals from Bhayander. For instance, the AC local departing from Virar and reaching Bhayander at 8:21 am was often overcrowded, requiring the deployment of RPF personnel to close the doors. This overcrowding caused delays, affecting the punctuality of peak-hour services. Introducing another AC local at 8:24 am was necessary to address these issues, and this train is also operating at full capacity.”
Passenger representative Shailesh Goyal criticised the new timetable, saying: “The newly introduced AC local timetable is not feasible for general passengers. In many instances, two to three AC locals run within a short interval, leaving non-AC passengers stranded. WR should ensure adequate gaps between AC locals to allow non-AC passengers to commute comfortably. The timetable committee must consult passenger representatives and incorporate their suggestions.”
A WR official highlighted the affordability of AC locals, stating: “The fare of an AC local per kilometre is 84 paise, nearly equivalent to the season ticket fare of BEST non-AC buses at 80 paise per kilometre and 26% cheaper than the season ticket fare of BEST AC buses, which is Rs 1.13 per kilometre.”