Railway Board has proposed a wider rollout of 15-coach local trains across the city’s network. The move comes in response to the city’s rising commuter volumes and the need for enhanced passenger comfort and safety across the bustling Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR). During a comprehensive review meeting held at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT), top railway officials from Central Railway, Western Railway, the Mumbai Railway Vikas Corporation (MRVC), Rail Land Development Authority (RLDA), and Dedicated Freight Corridor Corporation of India Ltd. (DFCCIL) presented project updates to the Railway Board leadership.
Key discussions revolved around capacity enhancement, faster project execution, and improved service delivery in Mumbai’s local train system. Officials said the expansion of 15-coach services is central to the ongoing modernisation strategy. While some 15-coach services already operate on select routes, the Board now aims to significantly scale up their deployment. These extended trains offer increased carrying capacity compared to the conventional 12-coach services, thereby easing congestion during peak hours—a chronic concern for Mumbai’s daily rail commuters. Railway Board officials also called on all concerned departments to accelerate the completion of critical infrastructure upgrades, including platform extensions, power supply augmentation, and signalling enhancements, that are necessary for the seamless integration of longer trains. Experts noted that while the addition of more 15-coach trains will not immediately solve overcrowding, it marks a strong policy step toward long-term solutions.
The review covered progress on multiple projects such as the Mega Coaching Complex and station redevelopment works, including the ongoing transformation of CSMT. The RLDA-led redevelopment aims to convert the iconic terminus into a modern, commuter-friendly hub. Officials also provided updates on MRVC’s efforts to improve 17 suburban stations under its Station Improvement Programme, which is expected to boost accessibility, safety, and commuter experience. The Board reiterated that passenger convenience must remain central to all railway expansion plans, especially in a dense urban corridor like Mumbai. The emphasis was on ensuring quality construction, timely delivery, and stringent safety compliance as the city’s rail system prepares for the next phase of growth.
After the CSMT meeting, officials conducted inspections at key locations including Jogeshwari Yard, where work is underway on a new coaching terminal expected to support future service expansion. Earlier site visits were also made to Khar and Ghatkopar stations to assess on-ground progress. While the implementation of the 15-coach train expansion depends on timely infrastructure readiness, the Railway Board’s directive signals an urgent intent to strengthen Mumbai’s critical suburban lifeline. For millions of commuters who rely on the local trains daily, the move promises a safer and more efficient journey ahead.
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