Mumbai Heatwave: Rising Temperatures Drive Surge in Commuters Opting for AC Local Trains in Mumbai

During the current summer season, more commuters are opting for air-conditioned local trains in Mumbai due to the rising temperatures, officials said. The Western Railway reported issuing 3,737 season tickets on May 6, the highest since the introduction of AC local trains in the zone. Additionally, 1,60,645 card tickets (single or return journey) were booked this month until May 6, marking a 30 percent increase compared to the same period last year.

According to Western Railway data, the average ridership of AC local trains was 1,06,925 in May 2023-24, and it has increased to 1,52,682 in May 2024-25. “The number of commuters travelling by AC locals is showing an upward trend,” a Western Railway spokesperson stated. Similarly, the Central Railway also noted a surge in AC train travellers on the Mumbai suburban network. On May 2, the CR issued 2,280 season tickets and recorded a ridership of 1,49,186 on its suburban network. On May 6, they issued 16,731 card tickets.

The Western Railway operates 96 AC local train services on weekdays with seven rakes on its suburban section, while the Central Railway operates 66 suburban AC local services daily.