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

Mumbai: One of the oldest passenger trains connecting Mumbai to Surat and Valsad since the early 1960s will be discontinued by mid-December. The non-air-conditioned double-decker coaches will be transformed into a restaurant outside the Lower Parel railway station. According to reports, Western Railway (WR) officials have confirmed that the 09023/24 Mumbai-Valsad passenger train will be discontinued as the codal life of its last rake has come to an end. A WR official stated, "We are working on the possibility of converting one of the non-AC double-decker coaches into a restaurant on wheels for nostalgia’s sake." Officials are reportedly considering a location at Lower Parel on the west side of Platform 1, where there is sufficient space near the level crossing gate. Western Railways currently operates two other restaurants at Andheri and Borivali stations. The passenger train originally operated between Mumbai and Surat, with non-AC double-decker coaches introduced around 1975-76, around the same time as the Flying Ranee began operations. This was one of the few passenger trains where suburban season pass-holders were allowed. Currently, the train serves around 800 to 900 passengers per trip, stopping at 20 stations along the route. Most passengers board at Mumbai Central, Borivali, and Virar, while others from major stops like Dahanu also prefer this double-decker service. Notably, WR, previously known as Bombay, Baroda, and Central India Railway (BB&amp;CI), was the first to operate double-decker coaches in the 1860s.

Advertisement

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

The Mumbai double-decker train will be transformed into a restaurant outside the Lower Parel railway station.

Advertisement