Mumbai Rail Network Set for Revolutionary Upgrade with 238 Premium AC Local Trains by 2028

The Mumbai Rail Vikas Corporation (MRVC) has announced that the city's suburban railway network would receive 238 state-of-the-art air-conditioned local trains over the next three years, transforming commuter travel with metro-like amenities and enhanced speed capabilities.

₹19,293 Crore Investment Under MUTP Phases III and 3A

Officials revealed that the comprehensive upgrade had been sanctioned under the Mumbai Urban Transport Project infrastructure developments at an estimated cost of ₹19,293 crore. The new fleet would gradually replace older non-AC rakes, offering passengers unprecedented comfort levels previously unavailable in suburban rail travel.

Metro-Style Features to Redefine Commuter Experience

Railway authorities disclosed that the new AC locals would incorporate several advanced features designed to enhance passenger comfort and safety. The trains would feature a metro-like design with single continuous 12-coach vestibules, expandable to 15 coaches when required.

Transport officials highlighted that passengers would benefit from cushioned seating replacing traditional steel benches, along with mobile charging points installed at every seat. The coaches would also be equipped with infotainment screens and automatic doors with a closed system for improved safety measures.

The design specifications included air-conditioned vendor compartments at both ends of each train, ensuring comfortable conditions for onboard services throughout the journey.

Enhanced Speed and Efficiency Through Power System Upgrades

MRVC engineers explained that the power system would be substantially boosted from 33% to 50%, enabling trains to accelerate faster and reduce braking time significantly. Despite automatic doors adding a few seconds per stop, overall travel times would be considerably quicker.

The new trains would achieve a top speed of 130 kmph, representing a notable increase from the current maximum of 110 kmph. Railway experts emphasized that the biggest benefit would be faster services on fast corridor routes across Mumbai, reducing suburban travel times significantly for millions of daily commuters.

Three-Year Implementation Timeline and Production Strategy

Project coordinators outlined that the Mumbai Rail Vikas Corporation would invite tenders for 2,856 coaches to form the required 12-car rakes. The prototype development phase was expected to take up to two years, followed by comprehensive testing and regulatory approvals.

Mass production would commence post-approval, with trains being introduced into service in phases across the network. The implementation strategy included establishing new maintenance hubs at Bhivpuri for Central Railway and Vangaon for Western Railway, which would be operated by the private manufacturer.

Comprehensive Overview: Mumbai's AC Local Revolution

Transportation analysts predicted that this upgrade would bring Mumbai's lifeline suburban rail system closer to metro standards, successfully blending speed, safety, and comfort for millions of daily commuters. The initiative forms part of Mumbai's broader infrastructure transformation plans that are expected to significantly impact real estate development in Mumbai's suburban areas.