Mumbai Local Train Upgrade: 27 Central Railway Stations to Support 15-Coach AC Locals by 2025, Promising Smoother Commutes for Millions

For millions of Mumbaikars who depend on local trains as their lifeline, the coming year brings long-awaited relief. The Central Railway has announced an ambitious expansion plan that will allow 15-coach local trains to operate across key routes, significantly improving passenger comfort and capacity. Alongside, more AC local trains are being added to the fleet, marking a major leap toward a modern, commuter-friendly suburban network.

Mumbai’s local trains carry more than 75 lakh passengers daily, with the Central Railway handling nearly half of this load. Overcrowding, especially during peak hours, has been an enduring challenge. With the introduction of longer trains and station upgrades, authorities aim to make daily travel smoother, safer, and more efficient for lakhs of regular commuters.

The Central Railway’s Big Move

According to official information, 15-coach local trains will soon be operational on both fast and slow lines of the Central Railway network. The move is part of a broader infrastructure overhaul involving the extension of platforms across 34 stations in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR).

Out of these, 27 stations are expected to complete their expansion work by December 2025, after which 15-coach trains will begin operating in phases. Initially, several existing 12-coach trains will be converted to 15-coach formations, and additional longer trains will be introduced gradually.

“This expansion is one of the most significant upgrades in the suburban railway system in years. Once the work is complete, Central Railway will be able to run a maximum number of 15-coach local trains, which will substantially increase passenger capacity,” said Swapnil Neela, Public Relations Officer, Central Railway.

Stations Undergoing Expansion

The expansion work covers critical suburban sections that connect Mumbai’s heart to its outer zones. Stations such as Vitthalwadi, Ulhasnagar, Ambernath, Badlapur, Karjat, Khopoli, Kasara, and Titwala are part of the project. Other key stations in the list include Ambivali, Washind, Asangaon, Atgaon, Mumbra, Kalwa, Kopar, and Thakurli.

Additionally, work is ongoing at seven major stations, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT), Thane, Kalyan, Dombivli, Wangani, Khadavali, and Kasara. Once completed, these hubs will be equipped to handle the extended length of 15-coach rakes, enhancing operational flexibility and reducing crowd pressure during peak hours.

A Boost in Capacity and Comfort

Currently, the Central Railway operates thousands of suburban services daily, with 12-coach trains forming the backbone of the system. By adding three additional coaches to select trains, authorities estimate a 25 percent increase in passenger capacity per train, significantly easing congestion during rush hours.

Each 15-coach train can accommodate approximately 8,500 to 9,000 passengers, compared to about 7,200 in a 12-coach formation. This expansion will allow more commuters to travel comfortably without compromising safety. Moreover, the introduction of new AC local trains will bring enhanced comfort and convenience, making Mumbai’s suburban experience more commuter-friendly.

Currently, Central Railway operates six AC local trains, collectively making around 80 trips daily. These trains are expected to be deployed more widely across the Main Line and Harbour Line once the new rakes arrive. The goal is to gradually increase the share of air-conditioned services and cater to the growing demand for modern urban transport options.

Timetable and Future Operations

Every year, Central Railway releases an updated timetable around November. However, due to ongoing station expansion and platform work, this year’s update has been postponed. Officials said the new timetable will be introduced in early 2026, after the completion of most expansion projects, to ensure smooth integration of the 15-coach and additional AC local services.

According to planning officials, the introduction of longer rakes requires not only extended platforms but also realigned signalling systems, upgraded overhead equipment, and safety trials. These upgrades are being executed in stages to minimize disruption to regular operations.

Once implemented, Mumbaikars can expect reduced overcrowding, shorter waiting times, and more efficient train operations. The new AC trains, in particular, are expected to encourage more passengers to switch from road to rail, thereby reducing congestion on Mumbai’s already overloaded road network.
 

Transforming Mumbai’s Suburban Future

The Central Railway’s plan aligns with the broader Mumbai Urban Transport Project (MUTP), which focuses on capacity augmentation, safety enhancement, and commuter comfort. The integration of longer trains and AC coaches represents the next phase of modernization, complementing other developments such as new elevated corridors and dedicated suburban routes.

For daily passengers, these improvements promise more than just physical comfort, they mark a shift in how the city approaches public transport infrastructure. The longer trains, better facilities, and air-conditioned coaches together signify Mumbai’s slow but steady transition toward a global metropolitan transit standard.

The Road Ahead

By December 2025, if all goes according to plan, commuters on the Central line will find their journeys faster and far more comfortable. The expansion will also serve as a blueprint for Western Railway and Harbour Line improvements in the coming years.

While challenges such as construction delays, land constraints, and coordination between multiple departments persist, the momentum behind the initiative is strong. With the Railways’ commitment to completing platform extensions and increasing rolling stock, Mumbai’s local train experience could soon undergo a long-awaited transformation.

As the city prepares to welcome the new year, this development stands as a symbol of progress for millions of commuters who rely on Mumbai’s most vital transport network every single day. The journey may still be crowded, but soon, it promises to be far more comfortable, efficient, and resilient, just as Mumbai deserves.