Mumbai to Get 20 New AC Local Rakes by December 2027, 218 More to Bring Upgraded Passenger Features

Mumbai’s suburban rail network is set for a major expansion of its air-conditioned train fleet, with the first 20 of 238 planned AC local rakes expected to arrive by December 2027. The remaining 218 rakes are likely to include several upgraded features focused on passenger comfort, charging facilities, climate control and train performance.

First 20 AC Local Rakes Expected by December 2027

The initial batch of 20 AC local rakes is expected to follow the design of the latest AC trains currently operating on Mumbai’s suburban network. Production of the larger 238-rake order is scheduled to begin in 2027, with the complete order targeted for delivery by 2030.

The first batch will allow the Railways to begin expanding AC suburban services while the upgraded design for later batches is finalized.

The Mumbai Railway Vikas Corporation (MRVC) has also signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Integral Coach Factory (ICF), Chennai, for the production and procurement of the 238 AC EMU rakes.

218 Later Rakes to Get Passenger-Friendly Upgrades

The remaining 218 AC local rakes are expected to include several improvements suggested to enhance the daily travel experience for Mumbai commuters.

Proposed upgrades include cushioned seats, better mobile charging facilities and improved heating, ventilation and air-conditioning systems. Passenger information and infotainment screens are also being considered, similar to facilities available on modern metro trains.

The changes are expected to be introduced progressively in later production lots.

Upgraded HVAC System Planned for New AC Locals

One of the key proposed improvements is a stronger HVAC system. The new rakes could have two 25-tonne-capacity HVAC units per coach, compared with the 15-tonne units used in existing AC locals.

The higher cooling capacity is expected to provide improved climate control, particularly during Mumbai’s hot and humid weather.

Cushioned seating is also being considered to provide greater comfort during longer suburban journeys. Each seat could also have access to a mobile charging point.

New AC Rakes May Get Higher Power Capacity

The proposed trains could also receive an increase in power capacity from the current 33% level to around 50%. According to railway officials, the higher capacity could help improve acceleration.

Faster acceleration may help reduce some of the time lost during station stops, particularly when doors are opened and closed at busy suburban stations.

The proposed design could also support speeds of up to 130 kmph, compared with the current operating capability of around 100 to 110 kmph. A sharper front-end design is also being considered as part of possible aerodynamic improvements.

ICF, RCF and MCF to Manufacture 238 Rakes

The large AC local order has been divided among three railway production units to support faster manufacturing.

• Integral Coach Factory, Chennai: 120 AC rakes
• Rail Coach Factory, Kapurthala: 71 AC rakes
• Modern Coach Factory, Raebareli: 47 AC rakes
• Total: 238 AC rakes

Production is expected to start in 2027, while the complete order is targeted for completion by 2030.

Central Railway and Western Railway to Get New AC Locals

The allocation of the new AC rakes between Central Railway and Western Railway will depend on passenger demand and the response to existing AC local services.

Mumbai’s first AC local service was introduced on December 25, 2017. Since then, AC services have gradually expanded across the suburban network.

Central Railway currently operates around 1,820 suburban services, including about 120 AC services. Western Railway operates around 1,414 suburban services, including 147 AC services.

The Railway administration is expected to assess demand and passenger response when deciding where the new rakes should be deployed first.

238 New AC Rakes to Expand Mumbai Suburban Services

The addition of 238 AC rakes could substantially increase the availability of air-conditioned suburban services across Mumbai. Their deployment will also be connected with the expansion of suburban railway infrastructure under the Mumbai Urban Transport Project and other related works.

For commuters, the new trains could bring improvements in seating, cooling, charging facilities and passenger information systems.

With production scheduled to start in 2027, the first 20 rakes are expected to provide an early expansion of Mumbai’s AC local fleet. The later batches are planned to introduce a wider range of passenger-focused upgrades, with the full 238-rake order targeted for completion by 2030.

Mumbai AC Local Rakes: Key Numbers

• 238: Total new AC local rakes planned
• 20: First batch expected by December 2027
• 218: Later rakes planned with upgraded features
• 120: Rakes to be manufactured by ICF Chennai
• 71: Rakes to be manufactured by RCF Kapurthala
• 47: Rakes to be manufactured by MCF Raebareli
• 2030: Target for completing the entire order
• 130 kmph: Proposed maximum speed
• 50%: Proposed power supply capacity, compared with 33% currently
• 2 × 25 tonnes: Proposed HVAC capacity per coach
• 1: Proposed charging access for each seat