[sadhuji]

The railways are preparing to launch one more scheme that is expected to be popular and herald in a new era of commuting. Local trains have been the lifeline of Mumbai and, to a large extent in Kolkata where people stay in far flung areas and commute daily to the metropolis for their work. While there are some places connected by buses, people prefer the train. They would love to commute in more comfortable surroundings if the trains were air conditioned. They would have to shell out more but, for those who can afford it, why should there not be special trains? There are special buses on the road – with the same logic, the trains should be able to survive.

The project would be started in Mumbai in another year’s time and would be with the participation of private conglomerates. The only things missing would be that vendors-on-the-move who try to sell you anything from handkerchiefs to lozenges to rat killers and home made pickles. Another problem might be with respect to short distance commuters – there could be less frequent stoppages since continuous opening and closing of the doors would affect the air conditioned environment. Hopefully, the railways must have considered all the pros and cons.