Western Railway will deploy special staff called ‘pushers’ at some of the busiest stations in Mumbai. This decision comes as overcrowding in AC local trains is causing significant delays in the timetable. The railway aims to ensure that automated doors close on time to keep trains moving punctually.
Why are pushers being deployed at super-dense stations?
Unlike regular locals, AC trains have automated doors and limited entry points. During peak hours, passengers take longer to board and exit, which keeps the train at the platform longer than scheduled. This creates a chain of delays for other trains. Western Railway will station pushers at Andheri, Dadar, and Borivali to help passengers move quickly and ensure doors close on time.
What are the current challenges with AC local trains?
The railway is facing a surge in crowds and ticketless travel. In May 2026, there was a 323% increase in ticketless travel cases compared to the previous year, with 18,305 cases detected. On June 23, 2026, over 60 suburban services ran 10 to 30 minutes late. While pushers are being deployed to manage the crowd, officials stated there are currently no plans to add more AC local services.
Key data regarding AC Local delays and crowding
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Target Stations | Andheri, Dadar, Borivali |
| Main Issue | Delayed automated door closure |
| Ticketless Travel (May 2026) | 18,305 cases |
| Delay Impact (June 23) | 60+ services delayed by 10-30 mins |
| Proposed Solution | Deployment of trained pushers |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Which stations will have pushers for AC local trains?
Western Railway will deploy pushers at super-dense stations including Andheri, Dadar, and Borivali to manage passenger movement.
Will Western Railway increase the number of AC local trains?
No, railway officials have clarified that there are currently no plans to introduce additional AC local services despite the rising demand.