It was jugaad and Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Make in India initiative that ensured India's first AC local train's cost was less than half to what it would have been if the Railways had decided to buy from open markets.
Sources said that these rakes are retrofitted with different parts and assembled as one piece. And so the cost is so low. "In the open market, a single fully made AC coach would cost nothing less than Rs 10 crore. This is more than double the cost at which we have manufactured this AC rake," said a Railways official on condition of anonymity.
Under MUTP-3, the Mumbai Rail Vikas Corporation will be procuring 564 AC coaches or 47 rakes of 12-car each for which tenders would be called soon. Sources said that these coaches will be more expensive than those which are being manufactured now.
Despite there being 50-odd minor issues with the air-conditioned local train, the first day went smoothly. Over the next few days, railway authorities will be monitoring the social media to see how they can improve the experience for the Mumbai commuters.
"We want Mumbaikars to tell us what changes they feel were necessary. They can tweet us, go to our website and give us a feedback," said A K Gupta, General Manager, Western Railway.
"This is a prototype rake and so it might have teething troubles but we are confident that people will have safe and smooth journey in it. We have addressed the issues and if in case anything arises then we will handle it. We shall iron out all those technical faults that we have encountered till now before introducing the next AC rake after 9 months," Gupta said.
Based on the feedback the WR receives from people and studying technical glitches that might arise while running of AC local; will the manufacture of second AC begin. These rakes are being manufactured by BHEL as part of 10 rakes that have been procured at Rs 54 crore per rake.
COMMUTERS REVIEW
I enjoyed the ride in the AC train but yes the fare needs to be lowered. The number of AC locals should also increase. The seats need to have cushions similar to those in first class compartments.
Himmat Kholia, Borivali
When I read the papers, I immediately decided to take a ride in the AC train. By road takes a lot of time while local trains are crowded. So this would bring much required respite and comfort in travel.
Jayraj Gajaria, Kandivali
Usually I leave for work by 7.45 am to 8 am. So once the frequency of the AC train improves, I shall adjust my work time accordingly. This train was much required for a city like Mumbai.
Dilip Khaire, Andheri
Today being a holiday I had time in hand so I took this AC train ride for an experience. People and the railways should ensure that they keep this train clean as I found mosquitoes flying inside already.
Suresh Kumar, Goregaon
(Above) Interiors of the first AC local train and a look at the motorman’s cabin; (Below) A passenger enjoys the view on the AC local’s maiden trip
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 "AC Local Train")
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