Mumbai’s local trains, the city’s lifeline, are set to receive a significant upgrade as Western (WR) and Central Railways (CR) introduce new rakes to improve commuter comfort. While WR is adding a cutting-edge air-conditioned (AC) rake to its suburban fleet, CR is replacing an older train on the Belapur-Uran line with a modern non-AC rake.
Western Railway’s Mumbai Central division has received a 12-car AC suburban rake from the Integral Coach Factory in Chennai. Currently stationed at the Virar car shed for final commissioning, this state-of-the-art rake will soon replace 10-12 non-AC services. With only seven AC trains presently operating on WR, this addition aims to reduce overcrowding and enhance convenience during peak hours. Around 1.25 lakh passengers use WR’s AC services daily, and the new rake is expected to attract even more commuters. Kunal Shah, a Borivali resident, welcomed the development, stating, “Rush hour AC trains are always packed. Increasing services will make travel much more comfortable.”
Central Railway has introduced a 12-car non-AC suburban rake on the Belapur-Uran line, replacing one of the retrofitted older trains on this route. This marks a significant step towards modernising CR’s suburban fleet, which currently operates three retrofitted trains on this corridor. A senior CR official highlighted the importance of the replacement, noting that it would improve service quality and enhance passenger experience on the Belapur-Uran route. These upgrades reflect broader efforts to modernise Mumbai’s suburban rail network. With WR operating 96 AC services out of 1,406 daily trains, the introduction of the new rake signals a shift towards better commuter experiences. CR’s focus on fleet modernisation underscores its commitment to safety and comfort, encouraging more passengers to rely on Mumbai’s vital suburban train services.
