The Central Railway has reported a significant surge in both passenger numbers and revenue following the expansion of AC local services on the Harbour Line, an official confirmed on Thursday.
Introduction and Expansion
Introduced on January 26, 2026, the Harbour Line AC locals received an encouraging response, prompting the railway to increase services to meet growing demand. Effective from May 1, Central Railway added 14 additional AC services on the Harbour Line, bringing the total to 28 services on that route.
Occupancy and Revenue Growth
Data comparing the periods before and after the expansion reveals substantial growth. Between April 16 and April 30, the Harbour Line AC services carried 2.34 lakh passengers. In the subsequent period from May 1 to May 15, this figure rose to 3.86 lakh passengers, marking a 65% increase. Revenue earnings also climbed sharply, from Rs 1.18 crore to Rs 1.96 crore, an increase of 66%, according to Swapnil Nila, Chief Public Relations Officer of Central Railway.
Overall Network Impact
With this augmentation, the total number of AC suburban services across the Central Railway network now stands at 108. This includes 80 services on the Main Line and 28 on the Harbour Line. The expansion underscores the railway's commitment to enhancing commuter comfort and meeting the rising preference for air-conditioned travel.
The positive trend is expected to continue as more passengers opt for AC locals, and the railway may consider further expansions based on demand patterns.
