Mumbai’s east–west Metro corridor may soon receive a much-needed capacity upgrade as the operator of Metro Line 1 has proposed introducing six-coach trains to handle mounting passenger volumes. The Ghatkopar–Andheri–Versova route currently carries over five lakh commuters daily, with trains frequently packed beyond capacity during morning and evening rush hours.
According to officials, Mumbai Metro One Private Limited (MMOPL) has submitted a proposal to add two extra coaches per train, increasing capacity by nearly 30 per cent. The plan, forwarded to the National Asset Reconstruction Company Limited (NARCL) through the India Debt Resolution Company Limited (IDRCL), aims to reduce congestion and improve commuter comfort along one of the city’s busiest transport corridors. If approved, the expansion will increase each train’s carrying capacity from 1,750 to around 2,250 passengers, offering commuters more space during peak-hour travel. The upgrade is particularly timely, given that passenger numbers are expected to rise further once the Colaba–Bandra–SEEPZ Metro Line 3 becomes operational and connects with Metro 1 at Marol station.
The initiative, however, has faced delays due to financial constraints. MMOPL’s parent project carries a debt of over ₹1,700 crore owed to six banks. When the operator was unable to meet repayment obligations, the case was referred to the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT), which subsequently transferred the debt to NARCL for resolution. The company is now awaiting NARCL’s approval to proceed with procurement and integration of the new coaches. A senior official said the upgrade would help balance passenger distribution and shorten waiting times during rush hours. “The six-coach configuration will significantly improve operational efficiency and commuter experience, especially at major interchange points like Andheri and Ghatkopar,” the official noted.
Transport planners have welcomed the move, calling it an essential step towards improving urban mobility. “Increasing capacity is crucial for a sustainable transport network,” said a mobility expert. “If the Metro can move more people comfortably, it can encourage a modal shift away from private vehicles, reducing congestion and emissions in Mumbai.” Metro 1, which began operations in 2014 as Mumbai’s first rapid transit corridor, remains a vital lifeline connecting the western and eastern suburbs. Its upgrade could set the stage for similar capacity enhancements across the city’s expanding metro network, making mass transit more efficient and inclusive.
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