Mumbai is set to see a significant transformation in its suburban railway operations, as senior railway officials push for the accelerated rollout of 15-coach local trains. In a recent high-level review meeting at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT), the Railway Board instructed zonal authorities to fast-track infrastructure upgrades that will enable smoother operations of extended local trains across the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR).
The meeting was attended by key stakeholders from Central Railway, Western Railway, Mumbai Railway Vikas Corporation (MRVC), the Rail Land Development Authority (RLDA), and the Dedicated Freight Corridor Corporation of India Ltd. (DFCCIL). The agenda focused on enhancing passenger capacity, fast-tracking project timelines, and ensuring safety standards in the suburban network, which serves over seven million commuters daily. Officials briefed the board leadership on the roadmap to increase the number of 15-car services, an initiative seen as crucial to decongest existing train services and accommodate the rising demand from the fast-growing suburbs. The direction to ramp up these services comes amid heightened pressure on the network due to rapid urban sprawl and growing intermodal traffic.
While reviewing ongoing station redevelopment works and new terminal infrastructure, the Railway Board directed teams to align suburban upgrades with upcoming Metro lines to foster seamless integration across transport systems. Particular emphasis was placed on the ongoing redevelopment of CSMT and the improvement of suburban stations under MRVC’s Station Improvement Programme. Railway officials also provided updates on the Mega Coaching Complex and shared progress on plans to augment capacity for both suburban and long-distance trains. Additionally, Western Railway officials led the inspection of new terminal infrastructure at Jogeshwari yard, which is expected to handle more rake movements upon completion.
During the inspection of multiple stations, officials reaffirmed their focus on safety and passenger convenience, particularly in the context of increasing the length of local trains. Experts said the 15-coach trains offer nearly 33% more capacity than 12-car configurations, without increasing train frequency — a critical advantage given Mumbai’s saturated rail corridors. In parallel, RLDA’s redevelopment work at CSMT was reviewed for both pace and design, with suggestions made to improve passenger flow and intermodal connectivity. Officials noted that night shifts and logistical sequencing would be key to minimising commuter disruption during construction.
The expansion of 15-car services is expected to complement other upgrades across Mumbai’s suburban rail ecosystem, including new automatic door-closing non-AC rakes and Metro integration plans. Railway experts say these efforts mark a turning point for Mumbai’s local train network, aiming to make it more efficient, safer, and inclusive for the future.
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