Bureaucracy has dashed Mumbaikars’ hopes of cool rides this summer, as not a single order has been placed for more AC local trains for the suburban network. The rising mercury has made air-conditioned locals the first choice for commuters, but there are just 13 trains to meet demand. Mumbai’s proposals sent to Delhi for 238 new AC locals are caught up in endless discussions and red tape.

The last AC local train was dispatched from Integral Coach Factory (ICF) in Chennai on November 30, 2022, and arrived in the city in December 2022. Officials at ICF Chennai said they are not manufacturing any new AC EMU trains, because there are no orders yet. No one has a concrete answer as to when the new 238 AC local trains promised to the city will start arriving, as officials in Mumbai rail divisions and the Railway Board in Delhi are still in the stage of consultations and discussions.