Longer, AC trains and automatic doors: How Indian Railways plans to ease Mumbai local train rush

In a major relief to Mumbai local train travellers, the Railways are planning to increase the number of coaches in suburban trains from 12 to 15, which would raise passenger capacity by nearly 33%. CR Mumbai has two 15-car trains and operates 22 services, while Western Railway’s Mumbai division has 14 and operates 211 services. Indian Railways is also in the process of procuring more air-conditioned (AC) local trains to offer commuters a more comfortable travel experience. Additionally, non-AC locals with automatic doors will be introduced by the end of 2025 to enhance passenger safety.

Procurement of AC locals and prototype for closed-door trains
Indian Railways (IR) has cleared the decks for the procurement of 238 AC local trains. According to an HT report, Railway Board Chairman and CEO Satish Kumar held detailed meetings with officials from Central Railway (CR) and Western Railway (WR) on Monday at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) to discuss the implementation of this plan. Kumar also announced that automatic closed-door non-AC trains would begin operations by the end of 2025. A prototype is being manufactured at the Integral Coach Factory in Chennai, while another similar model is stationed at the Kurla car shed and is under consideration.

Focus on expansion, safety and station redevelopment
Kumar instructed departments to accelerate ongoing projects, particularly those that will expand service frequency and enhance safety. He directed railway officials to prioritise the introduction of more 15-coach trains with a strong emphasis on passenger safety and convenience.

When asked about project delays, Kumar said the challenge lies in working within operational stations rather than greenfield sites, requiring uninterrupted rail movement. He added that efforts are being made to speed up work at CSMT and other key locations, according to HT

Officials also provided updates on the Mega Coaching Complex and initiatives to increase passenger capacity on both Mail Express and suburban trains.

Efforts to decongest peak-hour rush yet to take off
In a related initiative, CR had written to around 800 companies in November 2023 urging them to implement flexible or delayed reporting hours for employees to help ease peak-hour congestion.

The aim was to reduce crowding during the most heavily loaded periods between 8 am to 11 am and 5 pm to 8 pm, when trains run at maximum occupancy.

According to a report by The Indian Express, only 46 companies responded, and whose workforce was fewer than 25 employees. Railway officials said this small number would not lead to meaningful decongestion unless larger companies come on board.

Integrating suburban and metro rail networks
The meeting also addressed multi-modal integration (MMI), particularly at Khar and Ghatkopar stations. As reported by HT, a 5,000 square metre elevated deck has been created at Khar station to accommodate commercial developments and support future metro connectivity. Kumar said similar integration will be pursued at other railway stations with adjoining metro projects.

“We will carry out a detailed survey of the railway stations where integration with metro rail lines is required,” Kumar said. “This has already been implemented in a few stations – for instance, at Ghatkopar, work on two concourses is underway, with one recently completed. Work on the remaining two can be done only at night due to daytime passenger traffic.” The survey will examine footfall, travel patterns, and other data points, with MMI facilities planned within a 500-metre radius of metro stations.

More rail terminuses planned in MMR
Ahead of the 2027 Kumbh Mela in Nashik, Indian Railways plans to run additional trains and upgrade infrastructure with an allocation of ₹1,100 crore, most of which will go toward redeveloping Nashik station and nearby facilities. “We have to run more trains, for which it is important to improve rail infra,” said Kumar, as quoted by HT.

Rail authorities also shared updates on upcoming rail terminuses across the Mumbai Metropolitan Region. Kumar highlighted the need for new facilities at Jogeshwari, Panvel, Kalyan and Vasai, along with major upgrades to existing hubs like CSMT, currently being redeveloped at a cost of ₹2,500 crore.

(With inputs from TOI)