AC locals sans luggage bogies uncool?

Mumbai: The debate for the removal of luggage compartment from new air-conditioned trains has gained momentum after Union railway minister Suresh Prabhu’s visit to the city. The issue was raised by railway officials after the state government finally gave an in-principle nod to the proposal that only air-conditioned trains would be procured henceforth for the city.

Officials have said that some variations are being looked into: rather than the complete removal of the luggage compartment, Central Railway, which has three luggage compartments per train, may have it reduced by one to two compartments or one compartment. Western Railway, which has two luggage compartments, may continue having two such compartments. Or both CR and WR trains may have the same number of compartments but without any air-conditioning.

An official said, “A lot of options are being looked into right now, since the train will be vestibule there are some suggestions that the use of luggage compartments be completely removed.” The official further added, “On the other hand, there is a school of thought that feels that the number of luggage compartments should be there as it is right now but they need not be air-conditioned.”

Mumbai railway officials have been at loggerheads about the AC  trains themselves as many feel that they should be run on Central Railway instead of Western Railway.

Prabhat Sahai, chief managing director of Mumbai Rail Vikas Corporation (MRVC), the body in charge of procuring the expected 66 trains under Mumbai Urban Transport Project III, said, “The railways has yet to decide the design of the AC train until now but yes, we are looking into what will be done with the luggage compartment.”

Railway officials have been pushing for an all AC fleet as they feet that the railways will become vulnerable as a result of the upcoming Metros. The current AC train that is parked at the Kurla car shed does not have a luggage compartment. It is undergoing trials between Kalyan and Titwala.