Mumbaikars' wait for air-conditioned coaches in local trains just got longer and dearer. In as far back as January, Railway minister Suresh Prabhu had announced the testing of the first air-conditioned coach in a local train on March 31, but sadly, authorities have already missed the deadline. What’s more, railway authorities have now questioned the cost of procuring AC rakes, pointing out that this may lead to a hike in fares to ensure its survival in the Mumbai suburban system. The news comes at a bad time, when the city’s residents are already grappling with a hike in the cost of first-class tickets, due to an increase in service tax.

According to sources, procuring an AC coach similar to that of the Metro rail involves having the latest technology — such as automatic door systems and vestibule coaches — in place and that the cost can go as high as R8-10 crore per coach. Under the current system, a normal 12-car rake costs Rs 43 crore.