100 Years of Mumbai’s Iconic Local Trains
Mumbai’s iconic local trains, the lifeline of the city, have completed an extraordinary 100-year journey since the launch of India’s first Electric Multiple Unit (EMU) on February 3, 1925. The inaugural electric train, comprising four coaches, ran between Victoria Terminus (now Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus, CSMT) and Kurla on the Harbour Line, ushering in a new era of urban transportation not just in India, but across Asia.
The historic day was marked by grandeur as Sir Leslie Wilson, then Governor of Bombay, and Lady Wilson arrived in a horse-drawn carriage to flag off the inaugural service at 10:00 AM from Platform No. 2. The honour of driving the pioneering EMU fell to Jehangir Framji Daruwala, India’s first motorman for an electric train, forever etching his name in the annals of Indian Railways. The electrification of Mumbai’s suburban network revolutionised railway operations. It eliminated the need for frequent engine changes, reduced delays, improved punctuality, and significantly lowered operational costs. Electrification also contributed to cleaner transport, reducing the reliance on coal-powered steam engines, which were not only inefficient but also heavily polluting.
By the time of India’s independence in 1947, around 388 km of rail lines were electrified, mainly around Mumbai and Madras (now Chennai). Fast forward to 2025, Indian Railways is on the cusp of achieving 100% electrification of its broad gauge network—a monumental achievement paralleling the significance of that first electric journey in 1925. The journey of Mumbai’s local trains is a testament to continuous evolution. From the initial four-coach EMU to eight-coach trains in 1927, nine-car trains in 1961, 12-car services in 1986, and eventually the 15-car locals introduced in 2016, Mumbai’s suburban rail has grown to meet the demands of its ever-increasing commuter base. The first air-conditioned local service on Central Railway was launched in 2020, adding another feather to its cap.
This centenary also reflects India’s broader railway electrification journey. The adoption of electric traction took nearly five decades after the world’s first electric train in Germany (1879), but once implemented, the advantages were clear—higher efficiency, better acceleration, lower maintenance costs, and an environmentally friendly approach to mass transportation. As Mumbai celebrates this 100-year milestone, it stands as a symbol of resilience, growth, and the relentless spirit of progress. The local train network not only transformed how Mumbaikars travel but also played a pivotal role in shaping the socio-economic fabric of the city, connecting millions of lives daily across the bustling metropolis.
