Ineligible staff, hawkers, and beggars take over premium locals, leaving paying commuters stranded; regular passengers allege that these trains are overrun by Matunga and Parel workshop staff, many of whom are ineligible to travel in AC compartments but bypass checks by flashing ID cards or union slips.
Hawkers selling goods inside an AC local train meant for paying passengers. Pics/Shrikant Khuperkar
Central Railway’s premium air-conditioned (AC) local trains, introduced to offer safe, dignified, and comfortable travel to fare-paying commuters, are increasingly being taken over by ineligible railway staff, union members, hawkers, and even beggars. Meanwhile, genuine commuters, who pay steep fares like Rs 2135 (Kalyan–CSMT), Rs 2220 (Titwala–CSMT), and Rs 2385 (Badlapur–CSMT) for monthly AC passes, or Rs 105–R120 per single journey, are left standing helplessly.
The 3.24 pm and 4.00 pm AC locals from CSMT to Dombivli (slow), and the 4.11 pm double-fast AC local to Kalyan, have become battlegrounds where paying commuters struggle daily against an apathetic system. Regular passengers allege that these trains are overrun by Matunga and Parel workshop staff, many of whom are ineligible to travel in AC compartments but bypass checks by flashing ID cards or union slips.
“These people behave as if the AC trains belong to them,” said Seema Parab, a daily commuter from Thane. “They reserve seats for each other, lie across benches, talk loudly, and even hush us when we object. Is this the reward for honest passengers who follow rules and pay on time?” Hemant Dhuri, another frustrated commuter, added: “Railways introduced these AC locals with high fares for better travel. But the staff board early and treat us like intruders. They don’t even have valid AC passes.”
Empty workmen’s special
Ironically, a workmen’s special non-AC local departs every evening from Chinchpokli Yard, meant exclusively for Railway employees, stopping at Parel, Matunga, Kurla, Ghatkopar, Mulund, and Kalyan. Yet this train reportedly runs nearly empty. “If they have a dedicated train, why are they invading AC locals?” asked Lata Argade, member of Mumbai Rail Pravasi Sangh. “Try boarding their workmen’s train as a civilian, they’ll slam doors, play cards, and misbehave. But when it comes to AC trains, there’s no rule they won’t break.” She added, “Everyone in these workshops has the same grade pay. Why not convert their special train into an AC service, and leave paying commuters in peace?”
Misuse of grade pay rules
Only staff with basic grade pay of Rs 4200 or Rs 4600 per month are permitted to travel in AC EMU compartments. But according to passengers, many Matunga and Parel workshop employees, who do not qualify, board freely without consequences. Vandana Rajput, vice president of Mumbai Rail Pravasi Sangh (Navi Mumbai), confirmed this growing arrogance:
Beggars occupying space inside an AC local train
“I’ve seen railway staff without AC passes stretch out across two seats and shout when told to move. If anyone dares to object, they gang up and say, ‘Railway mein kaam karte hain, kya ukhaad loge?’ It’s disgraceful.” She added, “Even family members of railway staff are seen in AC locals. On the 3.36 pm CSMT service and the Titwala-bound AC local, entire groups take over. Some even shut the middle doors and claim: ‘Yeh train hamari hai.’ If the Railway Ministry doesn’t act now, don’t blame us for a public protest.”
Hawkers add to chaos
If ineligible staff weren’t enough, hawkers have begun selling snacks, belts, wallets, and bottled water inside AC compartments, a space meant for calm, hygienic travel. Even beggars are seen occupying doorways, further harassing paying commuters. “There’s zero checking during peak hours,” said a Titwala commuter. “RPF and TTEs show up only in the afternoon when there’s nothing left to monitor. Hawkers get advance warning and vanish before checks begin.”
Passengers trying to board an overcrowded AC local train
CPRO responds
When contacted, the Chief Public Relations Officer (CPRO) of Central Railway said: “Only staff with grade pay of Rs 4200 and Rs 4600 are eligible for first-class and AC EMU travel. If Matunga or Parel staff are travelling in AC locals without eligibility, it is a clear violation. We take this matter seriously. Checking will be intensified, and we may involve union bodies like NRMU and CRMS to assist.”
Commuters’ demands
>> Stop unauthorised travel by ineligible workshop staff
>> Deploy ticket checkers during peak hours
>> Take strict action against hawkers, beggars, and non-passholders
>> Display AC eligibility rules at all stations
>> Convert the nearly-empty workmen’s train into an AC service for eligible staff
“These trains were launched for peaceful, dignified travel,” said one frustrated regular. “Now they’ve become union lounges and mobile bazaars. Even Metro staff don’t misuse their system like this. Why are Railways turning a blind eye?” Unless strict enforcement begins immediately, passengers warn that the original purpose of AC locals will be completely defeated, and public unrest is just around the corner.
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