Air-Conditioned local trains have become a political issue, with NCP president Sharad Pawar demanding the complete withdrawal of the services in the city and restoration of regular locals for working class Mumbaikars. Last week, Central Railway withdrew 10 new services after protests from Kalwa and Badlapur commuters.

The issue of AC local trains has been taken up by our party member Jitendra Ahwad. It seems the AC local train has affected office-goers, the middle class and the working people. Cancelling just one AC train service will not lead to anything; in fact, it may lead to a rise in anguish among the masses. The AC trains should be withdrawn permanently and replaced with normal trains for the benefit of the public,” Pawar said.