This Historic Mumbai Passenger Train Will Be Discontinued to Become a Restaurant

Mumbai: One of oldest passenger trains connecting Mumbai to Surat and Vals since early 1960s will be discontinued by mid-December. non-air-conditioned double-decker coaches will be transformed into a restaurant outside Lower Parel railway station.  

According to reports, Western Railway (WR) officials have confirmed that 09023/24 Mumbai-Vals passenger train will be discontinued as codal life of its last rake has come to an end.  

A WR official stated, "We are working on possibility of converting one of non-AC double-decker coaches into a restaurant on wheels for nostalgia’s sake."  

Officials are reportedly considering a location at Lower Parel on west side of Platform 1, where re is sufficient space near level crossing gate. Western Railways currently operates two or restaurants at Andheri and Borivali stations.  

passenger train originally operated between Mumbai and Surat, with non-AC double-decker coaches introduced around 1975-76, around same time as Flying Ranee began operations. This was one of few passenger trains where suburban season pass-holders were allowed.  

Currently, train serves around 800 to 900 passengers per trip, stopping at 20 stations along route. Most passengers board at Mumbai Central, Borivali, and Virar, while ors from major stops like Dahanu also prefer this double-decker service.  

Notably, WR, previously known as Bombay, Baroda, and Central India Railway (BB&CI), was first to operate double-decker coaches in 1860s.