Central Railway (CR) has begun work on 92 new stabling lines across its Mumbai division, a critical expansion to house and maintain 138 additional rakes set to arrive under the Mumbai Urban Transport Project (MUTP) phases 3 and 3A. The suburban network, already stretched beyond its capacity, currently operates 166 rakes supported by 162 stabling lines. With new trains in both 12-car and 15-car configurations scheduled to join the fleet, CR faces a pressing need to upgrade its support infrastructure.
Officials said the new stabling lines are being developed in parallel with corridor upgrades, ensuring that expansion is synchronised with future operational needs. Of the 92 stabling lines, 16 are being delivered under MUTP 3, another 16 under MUTP 3A by the Mumbai Rail Vikas Corporation (MRVC), and the remaining 60 by CR’s construction wing. Locations such as Karjat and Mohape are being prioritised in coordination with new railway corridors, signalling a structured approach to capacity creation. Stabling lines, often overlooked in public discussions, form the backbone of train operations. They provide safe parking for rakes during off-peak hours and enable routine inspections without blocking passenger platforms.
At present, around 12.5 per cent of CR’s fleet is sent to car sheds for scheduled maintenance, while others are temporarily stationed at platforms due to inadequate stabling space, slowing down services and leading to delays. The addition of new stabling lines is expected to ease these operational bottlenecks. Officials said the expansion will reduce congestion at stations, quicken turnaround times, and allow for higher frequency of services. With Mumbai’s urban sprawl expanding further into distant suburbs, such enhancements are essential to sustain commuter demand without adding to road congestion and pollution. Transport experts point out that this expansion is not just about train storage but about ensuring reliability, punctuality, and efficiency in a city where every minute counts. The additional capacity is expected to improve the daily experience of millions of passengers, reduce dependence on fossil fuel-based road transport, and align with the city’s long-term goals of sustainable mobility.
Once fully operational, the expanded stabling infrastructure will mark one of the most significant upgrades to Mumbai’s suburban rail network in recent years. It is a step towards not only modernisation but also creating an equitable and eco-friendly urban transit system for India’s financial capital.
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