DC local completes final journey

Decorated with flowers and colourful balloons,the last direct current (DC) local was run as a special train between Bandra and Churchgate on Saturday. Many senior officials,including Western Railway (WR) general manager Mahesh Kumar,media persons and commuters travelled in the train that started from platform number two of Bandra station at 12.34 pm. On reaching Churchgate station,it was welcomed with music. Red roses were distributed to commuters,some of whom also cut a cake. This heralded the end of an era of DC locals,which served Mumbai consistently for the past 84 years. Now,79 new Seimens’ rakes will run on the western suburban network. All old trains will be sent to Central Railway (CR). The conversion project cost around Rs 500 crore.

“DC to AC (alternate current) work on the suburban network was a hectic,complicated and lengthy process. There was a need to enhance the WR network,” Kumar told newspersons. “New trains saved 30 per cent electrical energy. WR saved Rs 72 crore in this regard,” said Kumar.

The DC-AC conversion of Borivali-Virar section was completed in 2007 while the section between Borivali and Vile Parle was converted into AC traction in November last year. In the last leg of conversion of electric traction of WR’s suburban network from DC to AC),a mega block has been planned on Sunday,between Churchgate and Andheri.