Mumbai’s Non-AC Double-Decker Trains Phased Out by 5th January
Mumbai’s iconic non-AC double-decker coaches are set to be retired after more than two decades of service, marking the end of an era for the city’s fast passenger trains. Western Railway (WR) has confirmed that the last remaining double-decker coaches, operating on the Mumbai Central-Valsad Fast Passenger train (09023/24), will be phased out by 4th January 2025, as their codal life has expired. From 5th January, the train will operate with a 22-coach conventional ICF rake, replacing the distinctive double-decker design that has become a hallmark of Mumbai’s suburban railway services.
The shift comes as part of WR’s efforts to meet the growing passenger demand and address the shortage of double-decker coaches. According to a senior WR official, the last run of the non-AC double-decker coaches will occur on 4th January, although the official confirmation of the date remains pending. From the following day, the train will be upgraded to a 22-coach ICF rake, which will ensure that the capacity of the train is maintained despite the transition. The existing double-decker coaches currently accommodate around 250-260 passengers, including standing commuters in the corridors and near the doors. In comparison, the new ICF coaches, which offer seating and upper berths, will provide a similar total capacity. Each ICF coach, designed to seat around 100 passengers, will include an additional 60 seats through upper berths, bringing the total seated capacity to 160. The standing capacity ensures the total capacity of the ICF rake remains close to the original double-decker configuration.
The decision to replace the double-decker coaches has been prompted by a shortage of such coaches, which has hindered Western Railway’s ability to meet the rising demands of Mumbai’s ever-expanding commuter base. With the addition of four additional ICF coaches, the train will be able to accommodate more passengers than before, making the transition as seamless as possible. In a move to preserve the legacy of the non-AC double-decker coaches, Western Railway is reportedly exploring the possibility of repurposing these iconic coaches into “restaurants on wheels,” a first for India. If approved, this initiative would offer a unique way to maintain the legacy of the beloved double-decker trains while adding a new and innovative experience for passengers.
“The last non-AC double-decker train of Mumbai is being phased out as its codal life has expired. We are exploring the possibility of converting these coaches into restaurants on wheels, which would preserve their legacy in a unique way,” said a WR official. This decision marks a significant moment in Mumbai’s railway history, as the double-decker trains, which have long been synonymous with the city’s bustling suburban network, make way for more modern and efficient ICF coaches. While the change brings an end to a well-loved chapter, it also signifies a new phase of growth and improvement for the city’s iconic railway services.
