In a historic push to ease Mumbai’s daily commuter congestion, Central Railway (CR) has begun converting 20 existing 12-car trains into 15-car rakes—all at the same time. This marks one of the largest capacity expansions on the CR suburban network in over a decade and brings much-needed relief to lakhs of daily passengers.
According to officials, the addition of three coaches per rake will increase carrying capacity by 25% per train, enabling 3.12 to 3.36 lakh additional passenger slots per day. Each rake runs 12–13 daily trips, multiplying the benefit significantly across peak hours.
Timetable Adjustments and Operational Changes
The shift to longer rakes requires updating train timings, as 15-car formations have different acceleration and braking characteristics. Officials say rationalising services will be essential to maintain punctuality.
Workshops are currently involved in extensive mechanical and electrical upgrades: rearranging coaches, extending brake pipes, synchronising electrical systems, and recalibrating signalling compatibility.
Platform Extensions at 34 Stations
A key reason this expansion was delayed for years was the lack of platform length. CR is now rapidly extending platforms at 34 stations, including Ulhasnagar, Ambernath, Badlapur, Atgaon, Vithalwadi, Vasind, and several others.
The only pending stretches are at major hubs like CSMT, Thane, Diva, Kalyan, Khadavli, and Vangani, expected to be completed by March 2026. An old signal building at CSMT is being demolished to make way for longer platforms.
Commuters Welcome the Upgrade
Daily passengers and commuter rights activists have long demanded 15-car rakes to reduce crowding.
- Siddhesh Desai, commuter rights activist, said the upgrade will improve throughput and reduce platform dwell-time variance by 8–12%, boosting punctuality and safety.
- Nazim Ansari noted that while the move helps, improvements in compartment sequencing and pending infrastructure projects are still needed.
- Madhu Kotian of Mumbai Rail Pravasi Sangh welcomed the decision, noting that clearing 25% crowding instantly will save lives and improve boarding safety.
A Long-Awaited Relief
The conversion of 20 rakes at once reflects CR’s renewed focus on capacity, safety, and commuter comfort. As India’s busiest suburban rail corridor, the Mumbai local system is set to see a significant improvement in passenger movement as these 15-car trains roll out across the network.
