Mumbai Local Trains Set for Major Upgrade: 100 New Rakes to Replace Ageing Fleet
In a significant move to enhance suburban rail services in Mumbai, Central and Western Railways have jointly requested 100 new local train rakes from the railway ministry. This initiative aims to replace ageing trains and support increased services under ongoing transport projects, directly addressing the chronic issue of overcrowding that affects millions of daily commuters.
Addressing Ageing Infrastructure and Safety Concerns
Many suburban trains in Mumbai have completed their working life, necessitating this replacement to maintain safe, reliable, and efficient services. The new rakes are crucial for ensuring that the rail networks can handle the growing passenger load without compromising on operational standards.
Supporting Capacity Expansion and Infrastructure Projects
The proposed new rakes will support additional services created by ongoing upgrades across the city. With railway infrastructure projects covering 400.53 km in progress across Central and Western Railways—including new corridors, additional lines, and route expansions—more trains are needed to increase frequency and accommodate new train paths.
Heavy Investment in Mumbai's Transport Future
These efforts are part of a broader investment under the Mumbai Urban Transport Project (MUTP), estimated at ₹18,365 crore. This funding is directed towards:
- Constructing new tracks
- Expanding existing lines
- Improving facilities to enable better suburban train services
Modernization with AC Rakes and Interim Solutions
In parallel, the Mumbai Railway Vikas Corporation (MRVC) has floated tenders for 238 AC rakes to improve comfort on long suburban routes. However, these modern trains are not expected to enter service before 2030. As an interim measure, CR and WR require temporary rakes to meet rising passenger demand and maintain service efficiency until the AC fleet is operational.
Current Fleet and Future Plans
Currently, Central Railway operates 1,820 services with a diverse fleet including:
- 138 standard 12-car rakes
- 80 12-car AC rakes
- 22 15-car rakes
- 36 additional rakes
These are utilized across Main, Harbour, Trans-Harbour, and Port lines. Meanwhile, Western Railway runs 1,406 services with 1,074 12-car, 121 12-car AC, and 211 15-car rakes.
Expanding 15-Car Services for Peak Demand
Both railways plan to run more 15-car trains to accommodate growing passenger numbers, which will require a major increase in suburban rolling stock. This expansion is essential to maintain service reliability and effectively handle peak-hour demand, ensuring that Mumbai's lifeline transport system remains robust and responsive to commuter needs.
