Mumbai’s Central Railway is preparing to introduce a greater number of 15-coach suburban trains by late 2025, with platform extension work underway at 27 out of 34 stations across the line. The move is part of a wider effort to address chronic overcrowding on one of the city’s busiest suburban corridors.
According to railway officials, the platform upgrades are scheduled for completion by December 2025. Once operational, these expanded platforms will accommodate 15-coach trains across both fast and slow corridors, replacing existing 12-coach rakes in phases. The phased expansion is expected to significantly ease congestion for millions of daily commuters who depend on the Central line. The stations under active expansion include Ambivli, Ambernath, Asangaon, Atgaon, Badlapur, Bhivpuri, Karjat, Khopoli, Kalwa, Kopar, Kasara, Mumbra, Palasdari, Shelu, Thakurli, Titwala, Ulhasnagar, Vitthalwadi and Vasind. Major nodes such as Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (CST), Thane, Kalyan, Dombivli, Vangni and Khadavli are also undergoing complex civil works to align their platforms with the new train configurations.
Officials from the railway administration explained that the shift to longer trains is a strategic measure aimed at improving passenger comfort and reducing safety risks from overcrowding during peak hours. They emphasised that the Central line, which connects the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR) to rapidly growing satellite towns like Kalyan, Badlapur and Karjat, is critical to the region’s economic and social mobility. Transport experts noted that the initiative reflects a broader trend in urban transport planning — prioritising capacity enhancement through infrastructure upgrades rather than only adding more train services. “Upgrading platforms and increasing rake length allows the system to absorb rising commuter volumes sustainably,” said one expert, adding that the project also complements Mumbai’s push towards more reliable, inclusive and climate-friendly mobility solutions.
In parallel, the Central Railway has announced six additional special services between Lokmanya Tilak Terminus (LTT) and Chhapra in Bihar from November 9 to 13, 2025, to meet festive season travel demand. Bookings for these trains have already opened, providing relief to passengers travelling to eastern Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. The ongoing expansion of suburban train capacity is part of a long-term strategy to strengthen Mumbai’s transport backbone. Once completed, the 15-coach upgrade is expected to enhance commuter experience, reduce overcrowding-related delays, and contribute to a more efficient, equitable and sustainable public transport network for the city’s growing population.
Mumbai To Add More 15-Coach Locals As Central Line Platforms Expand
