AC (Alternate Current) DC (Direct Current) Local Trains – Mumbai

“On 5th February 2012 Mumbai’s local trains were switched from 1500 KV of direct current (DC) to 25000 KV alternate current (AC) system and complete western railway route between Churchgate and virar stations is now 100% switched on Alternate Current voltage system. Lets see the difference and advantage to millions of Mumbai commuters of Western Railway..”

Quick Look : [ Difference Between AC and DC Trains ], [ Advantages Of AC over DC Local Trains ], [ History Of Mumbai Local Trains ], [ DC to AC Conversion Highlights ], [ Updates ]

Difference Between AC and DC Voltage

• (Direct Current) DC voltage system trains were running at speed of 75 to 80 km/hour.
• (Alternate Current) AC electronic multiple unit local trains can run at speed of 100 km and more per hour.
• AC sends is 17 times current compared to DC trains. ALERT, its a sure touch to death ticket for those commuting on roof.
• AC trains are faster and smoother.
• DC trains runs on 1500 KV while AC takes 25000 KV.

Advantage of AC over DC Trains

• Local trains runs better and more faster consuming less current/voltage.
• With time saved, more 20 to 25 local trains can be introduced between Andheri Virar and Borivali route.
• Of course25000 KV numbers more then 1500 KV DC voltage right ?
• Almost 15 minutes to be saved by non local trains who needed to change engines between those western railway routes.
• Reduction in maintenance cost and services as total local train substations will be 5 which was 25 before.
• Up to 30% of electricity power and energy will be saved which is huge when calculated over all running services of local trains in city.
• Traction of AC substation is more safer then the previous.
• DC Motor EMU (Electric Multiple Units) trains are totally out.
• Less pollution as less emission, Energy is regenerated and is a great advantage technically.

Mumbai Local Trains History

1. 1928 : First DC local train introduced. Inaugurated on 5th January by governor of then called ‘Bombay’ by ‘Sir Leslie Wilson’ trains came operating between colaba and borivali.
2. 1936 : Old steam engine which were running between borivali and virar route were stopped and route was electrified.
3. 1961 : New nine rake trains were started.
4. 1972 : Total train services crossed above 500.
5. 1986 : Fifteen year after 9 car trains, these 12 couch local trains started.
6. 1992 : Ladies special train and special senior citizen seating introduced.
7. 1993 : Physically challenged people got blessed with a dedicated compartment. (Note : Till date people who are not physically challenged travel in this compartment)
8. 2003 : 1000 trains started giving service to commuters (now 1214).
9. 2007 : DC to AC conversion between borivali and Virar took place.
10. 2009 : To get little relief from crowded local trains, 15 couch trains started.
11. 2011 : Conversion to Alternate Current took place between Borivali and Vile parle.
12. 2012 : Andheri to Churchgate conversion took place, ending all Direct Current Running local trains in western railway route.

AC DC Conversion Highlights

• One day 6 hours mega block and inconvenience to harbour railway and mail passenger trains is worth it forever.
• Limited special diesel engine trains will be available for commuters.
• Last DC train was run on saturday 4th February 2012 in Mumbai.
• 500 crores, total expense on conversion.
• About 800 western railway staff were working during conversion between Andheri and Virar.
• 2 Huge transformers of 30 MVA each at Mahalaxmi and Other 3 between Khar and Bandra which required for AC local trains were installed.

Related posts:

1. Mumbai Local Trains – Things to Known Before Traveling in Lifeline Trains
2. Lost + Found : Western Railway Local Trains Mumbai
3. Timetable For Central Railway Local Trains – Mumbai
4. Mumbai’s Western Railway Timetable – Schedules Of Western Local Trains
5. Mumbai’s Harbour Railway Timetable – Local Train Harbour Timetable