Western Railway first-class pass to be valid for AC local

The Western Railway officials have brought some cheer to the lives of over four lakh daily commuters travelling by first-class compartments. Commuters who hold first-class season passes will not have to buy separate tickets when the air-conditioned (AC) local becomes operational later this month.

"We will not be charging anything extra to those who hold first-class season passes. In fact, it could very well happen that these pass holders are paying more than the fares proposed by us for the AC train," said a senior Western Railway official.

There are 37 lakh daily commuters travelling on the Churchgate-Dahanu stretch of WR. Of these, 11.31 per cent hold first-class season passes — monthly, quarterly, half-yearly and yearly. "These season pass holders will be allowed to travel on the existing passes they hold. Those travelling with a second class pass and first-class daily ticket will have to buy train tickets for the AC local based on the proposed fares," said another WR official.

The WR authorities have proposed ticket fare slabs at Rs 10-Rs 85 for the AC local on the Churchgate-Virar route. Sources said that initially, they had proposed Rs 50-Rs 170 fare slab which was then slashed down as they wanted more locals to use the AC local. "There is no doubt that there would be teething troubles, initially, inside AC locals once it starts. However, it will be the first time that such a train would run in the city and we want public feedback," said a WR official.