Mumbai’s suburban rail system is poised for a substantial upgrade with clearance given to procure 238 air‑conditioned (AC) local trains, according to the Railway Board chief. The announcement follows a high‑level review during his recent visit to the city, where a broad upgrade plan encompassing safety, capacity, and multimodal integration was outlined.
The Railway Board chair emphasised that all procedural hurdles have been resolved, and tenders will be floated soon, bringing the long‑pending MUTP‑3 and MUTP‑3A plan into actionable territory. Previously stalled amid political resistance, the procurement initiative is now gaining traction under renewed administrative momentum. In a bid to enhance commuter safety, two non‑AC local train prototypes equipped with automatic door‑closing systems are under development at the Integral Coach Factory, Chennai. These are scheduled to be operational by December 2025, following trials and approvals.
Operationally, Mumbai rail authorities have been directed to prepare stations for 15‑car train formations, up from the existing 12‑car configuration. This is expected to significantly boost peak‑hour capacity and streamline integration with Metro services under a city‑wide multimodal transport strategy. These efforts form part of a broader investment push under the Mumbai Urban Transport Project (MUTP), which includes dedicated funding across phases. The plan envisages not only additional rolling stock but also upgrades to key corridors including Panvel‑Karjat, as well as station modernisations across the network.
Regional rail officials emphasized the need for improved Metro‑rail integration, with surveys underway at major junctions like Khar and Ghatkopar. Design features such as elevated concourses and pedestrian-enabled decks are being introduced to support seamless last‑mile access. The initiative addresses critical challenges faced by the system, including overcrowding, safety incidents, and outdated coach designs. In particular, the introduction of Metro‑style AC coaches with closed doors has been announced with a guarantee of no fare increase, reflecting both modernisation and social equity goals.
Mumbai’s suburban rail network, which currently ferries over 65 to 80 lakh commuters daily, stands to benefit from these upgrades in terms of speed, comfort, and safety. All stakeholders, from planning authorities to commuter bodies, have welcomed the renewed direction as a long‑delayed step toward modern transit alignment. As the procurement process moves forward, the next critical milestones include tender finalisation for the 238 AC trains, prototype trials of non‑AC door‑closer coaches, and infrastructure upgrades to handle longer rakes. Together, these measures point toward a transformative phase for Mumbai’s suburban rail system—both in operational performance and passenger experience.
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