While commuters have been debating fares and the pros and cons of air-conditioned (AC) trains, it has largely gone unnoticed that these trains—with which the entire fleet will be gradually replaced—have dramatically shrunk the capacity of  Mumbai locals.

A detailed study has also revealed that there is a difference in the carrying capacity among existing regular non-AC trains on both the city’s rail lines. The findings are part of a first-ever official interim report that has been chalked out by a consultant as a part of the proposed strategy to upgrade regular local trains into AC trains in a phased manner over the next few years.

Seat discrepancies