Mumbai : The Railway Board has announced the removal of all impediments to procuring 238 new air-conditioned (AC) local trains for Mumbai’s suburban network, paving the way for tenders to be floated imminently.
Key Highlights:
Blue-Light Go-Ahead
Railway Board Chair Satish Kumar confirmed that procedural and administrative hurdles in acquiring the 238 new AC units have been fully resolved, and global tendering will commence soon.
Complementary Safety Upgrades
By December 2025, two prototype non-AC locals with automated closing doors are expected, following the June 9, 2025 Mumbra derailment accident. These coaches incorporate ventilated mesh panels and were developed at CR’s Kurla car shed.
Upgrading Capacity & Infrastructure
The railway board has directed authorities to prepare all stations to operate 15-coach train sets instead of the current 12-coach formations to expand commuter capacity. Major terminals such as Panvel, Dadar, Bandra Terminus, Jogeshwari, and Vasai are slated for upgraded infrastructure and better integration with the Mumbai Metro network.
Context & Background:
The approval to procure 238 AC local trains (47 under MUTP‑3 and 191 under MUTP‑3A) was finally issued in early 2025 after extensive political delays. The project, estimated at ₹20,000 crore, aims to modernise the city’s aging suburban rail system and replace non-AC rakes.
Continuous political resistance—especially from the NCP leadership—had stalled the initiative since 2022, delaying modernisation and compromising commuter safety. Commuter deaths and injuries have been a pressing concern, with MPs raising the alarm in Parliament.
Why It Matters:
With Mumbai’s suburban railway serving over 65–70 lakh commuters daily, the new AC trains promise relief from overcrowding, improved safety via automated doors, and enhanced passenger comfort.
The non-AC prototypes with door safety mechanisms signal a broader shift toward safety-oriented design across the entire local train network. The move to 15‑coach formations and terminal upgrades will boost capacity and operational efficiency.
What Comes Next:
MRVC is expected to issue global tenders shortly.
Prototype testing for safety-enhanced non‑AC coaches is underway.
Scaling to 15‑coach trains and terminal redevelopment will be implemented progressively across Mumbai’s suburban lines.
