Mumbai: The local trains of the city will have three additional air-conditioned (AC) compartments, railway minister Piyush Goyal confirmed during the inaugural function of the harbour line extension to Goregaon.
“Seventy locals will have AC compartments, which means around 250 to 300 services will have this facility. The proposal has recently received a nod. This would be the first time in the history of Mumbai that second class will also have AC,” said Mr Goyal. He added, “The facility will be available for first and second class, both in the general and ladies compartments.” Meanwhile, Mr Goyal also stressed that a comprehensive plan should be prepared for Maharashtra for the next 50 years.
The function was delayed by two hours on Thursday after chief minister Devendra Fadnavis missed the event. The line was inaugurated by Mr Goyal who reached the location at 9 pm, two hours later than the scheduled time ie 7:15pm. Also, Shiv Sena workers had staged a protest during the function and disclosed that the party would
boycott it. “Once the harbour services start plying from Goregaon, WR locals to Churchgate will be relieved,” said Mr Goyal.
According to Railways, nearly 7,000 commuters who travel daily from Jogeshwari, Ram Mandir, and Goregaon stations go to Andheri to travel via the harbour line.
