With heat on, Western Railway eyes more AC takers

While Mumbaikars are dreading the onslaught of heat this summer, the Western Railway seems to be looking forward to it. The authorities want to see the changes in demand for the air-conditioned local trains during the summer months.

In the past few days, there has been a surge in the number of commuters seen inside the AC locals that run 12 services each day. Sources have said that until February 21, there has been a sale of 997 daily tickets while 230 people have bought a monthly season pass for the AC local. This is a significant rise from the sales in January. 

The total sale of daily tickets was 875 while 142 people bought a monthly season pass in January.

"There has been an increasing demand in the number of commuters who have shown interest in AC local. We expect a rise by another 100 tickets and passes in March and this trend shall hopefully continue," said a Western Railway official.

Even the number of people travelling inside the AC locals have risen. The daily average count of commuters inside the AC locals have upped from 667 per AC service to 798 per AC service. The officials said that this has surely has boosted their confidence.

During summer, the demand for electricity also soars in Mumbai, from 2700 Mw to 3300 Mw. The heat is the reason why people prefer standing by the footboard and hanging dangerously than sitting inside the train. With AC locals coming in, the cool quotient is expected to pull people in using them.