Title - Churchgate-Dahanu train by month-end

MUMBAI: The much-awaited Churchgate-Dahanu local train service is likely to start by the end of the month.

Western Railway successfully conducted a trial run for the service on Saturday.

Initially, a single service will be introduced between Churchgate and Dahanu during non-peak hours, said a WR official. The train will leave Churchgate around 3.55pm and cover the nearly 100-km distance in two-and-a-half hours.

Around 25 electric multiple units (EMUs) will be introduced till Dahanu Road railway station. As of now, WR operates suburban trains till Virar and 18 main line electric multiple unit (MEMU) shuttle services from Virar to Dahanu Road.

Around 13 of the MEMU services are likely to be converted to EMUs. While one MEMU can ferry 2,000 passengers during peak hours, an EMU can carry more than double at 4,500.

Commuters have been demanding the extension of suburban train services till Dahanu since 2002.