Commuters who travel on the suburban train network in the west and south sections have once again requested the return of nighttime train services in the new timetable. These passengers say late-night trains are important for daily travel, especially for those who work night shifts, hospital staff, factory workers, and people returning home after late office hours. However, their hopes are likely to remain unfulfilled for now.
The Southern Railway has made it clear that there are no immediate plans to restart the nighttime services. Railway officials explained that the decision is based mainly on poor passenger numbers. According to them, very few people used the late-night trains in the past, which made the services financially unviable. Running nearly empty trains leads to losses in fuel, power, and staff costs.
Night train services were first discontinued in 2023 after the COVID-19 lockdown was lifted. During that period, the railway revised its schedules and reduced several services, including some peak-hour trains. While most regular services were later restored, the nighttime trains were not brought back.
Since then, many commuters have repeatedly asked the railway authorities to reconsider the decision. Passenger groups say the absence of late-night trains has made travel difficult and expensive. People are forced to depend on buses, taxis, or autos, which are not only costly but also less safe and less reliable at night. Some passengers have also said that the lack of trains affects their work schedules and personal life.
Despite these concerns, railway officials maintain that services can only be restarted if there is enough demand. They say they will review the situation in the future and may consider restoring trains if passenger numbers increase.
For now, commuters will have to depend on daytime suburban trains or alternative transport options for late-night travel, as nighttime rail services remain uncertain.