Mumbai to get 238 new AC local trains in three years
Mumbai’s lifeline, the suburban rail network, is set for a major upgrade with 238 new air-conditioned trains to be introduced over the next three years. Sanctioned under the Mumbai Urban Transport Project at an investment of over Rs 19,000 crore, the modern rakes promise faster speeds, greater comfort and energy efficiency. Designed with metro-like features, the new trains are expected to redefine daily commuting for millions while aligning the city’s transit future with sustainability and inclusivity.The new rakes will replace ageing non-air-conditioned trains, bringing metro-style features to suburban commuters.
According to railway officials, every train will have cushioned seating, charging ports at every seat, infotainment screens, automatic doors, and air-conditioned vendor compartments at both ends. Each rake will be a continuous 12-coach vestibule, ensuring easy movement between compartments, with provision to expand to 15 coaches in the future.Beyond comfort, the emphasis is on efficiency and sustainability. Engineers confirmed that the electric power system would be upgraded from 33 per cent to 50 per cent, reducing energy loss and allowing faster acceleration.
The trains will be capable of running at speeds up to 130 kmph, compared to the current 110 kmph, a shift expected to shorten journey times even with automatic door operations. On fast corridors, where demand peaks sharply, the higher speeds will significantly improve service frequency and capacity.Officials added that new rakes will be built with eco-conscious materials and optimised ventilation systems to reduce energy consumption. Urban planners see this as an important move in creating equitable and climate-conscious public transport, crucial in a city where millions rely on suburban trains daily. “A zero-carbon approach in public mobility is no longer optional for megacities.
These trains are not just about commuter comfort but about cutting emissions at scale,” said an industry expert.Tendering for 2,856 coaches will soon be issued by the Mumbai Rail Vikas Corporation, with private manufacturers expected to build prototypes within two years before moving to mass production. Dedicated car sheds at Bhivpuri on Central Railway and Vangaon on Western Railway will maintain the new fleet, both to be operated by the private manufacturer.Officials have also underlined the importance of affordability, noting that fare structures should not create exclusion. Advocacy groups insist that equitable pricing will be critical in ensuring that AC locals are embraced by all sections of society rather than becoming a premium option.As the project gathers momentum, the introduction of 238 new AC trains signals more than just modernised rolling stock. It reflects Mumbai’s bid to merge speed, sustainability and inclusivity into its mobility blueprint building a future where suburban travel is cleaner, faster and more humane.
