If all goes well, Mumbai's local trains may run up to the diamond city of Surat soon. Mumbai is home to a large number of people from adjoining Gujarat. In addition, about five lakh people travel from Gujarat to Mumbai every day. Sensing an opportunity, the Western Railways (WR) has planned to extend local trains up to Dahanu, which is about 50 Kms away from Vapi by end of this year. Subsequently, locals will chug into the diamond capital. "Depending on passenger volume and available infrastructure, we plan to extend the services of local trains further up the south Gujarat region, including Surat," said Western Railway (WR) area manager BK Singh. At present, around 1.25 lakh commuters travel between Surat and Mumbai, contributing revenue of around Rs 45 lakh per day to the railways.
"While frequency plans are being worked out, several railway stations between Dahanu and Virar are already being modified to service local trains," he said. With entire stretch from Surat to Mumbai to be fully installed with automatic signal ling system by March 2010, the number of trains plying on this route would be increased. Thus, commuting by rail would be more convenient for Mumbaibound daily passengers from Surat, Navsari, Vapi and Valsad, said Singh.
At present, apart from long distance trains, commuters have option like Flying Ranee which leaves Surat at 5.30 am and reaches Mumbai Central at 10.20 am, making it convenient for business travellers. Thought a number of trains ply between Surat and Mumbai, including Surat Bandra Express and Viramgam Express, most daily commuters find the timings inconvenient.
"While frequency plans are being worked out, several railway stations between Dahanu and Virar are already being modified to service local trains," he said. With entire stretch from Surat to Mumbai to be fully installed with automatic signal ling system by March 2010, the number of trains plying on this route would be increased. Thus, commuting by rail would be more convenient for Mumbaibound daily passengers from Surat, Navsari, Vapi and Valsad, said Singh.
At present, apart from long distance trains, commuters have option like Flying Ranee which leaves Surat at 5.30 am and reaches Mumbai Central at 10.20 am, making it convenient for business travellers. Thought a number of trains ply between Surat and Mumbai, including Surat Bandra Express and Viramgam Express, most daily commuters find the timings inconvenient.
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