In a long-awaited move, Indian Railways has approved the procurement of 238 air-conditioned (AC) local trains, aimed at easing the travel experience for Mumbai’s growing suburban population. This decision comes two years after tenders were first floated and then withdrawn without explanation. It also follows an earlier commitment made by Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnav to improve urban transport in Mumbai.
The approval comes amid increased demand for AC services, particularly in Mumbai’s climate, where commuters have long called for a more comfortable alternative to overcrowded non-AC trains.
MUTP-3 and MUTP-3A: Strategic Expansion Plans
The procurement falls under two schemes of the Mumbai Urban Transport Project:
- MUTP-3 will include 47 AC local trains, costing around ₹3,491 crore.
- MUTP-3A targets 191 more units, with a budget of ₹15,802 crore.
Though tenders were floated by the Mumbai Rail Vikas Corporation (MRVC) in June 2023, decision-making was delayed, reportedly due to concerns over high ticket prices and technical disputes. Railway officials now confirm that all pending challenges have been addressed and that fresh tenders will be issued soon.
Automatic Doors Coming to Non-AC Locals
Alongside this procurement, Indian Railways is also testing automatic door systems for non-AC local trains. Two prototypes are expected by December 2025, with full implementation targeted shortly after. The Integral Coach Factory in Chennai is developing the technology, which will enhance safety, efficiency, and reduce accidents caused by overcrowding and open-door travel.
A Game-Changer for Mumbai’s Suburban Network
Currently, Central Railway operates 80 daily AC services, catering to nearly 79,000 passengers, while Western Railway runs 109 services, serving 1.25 lakh commuters. To increase capacity further, existing 12-coach trains will be converted to 15-coach rakes.
This expansion of AC services, coupled with safety innovations like automatic doors, marks a transformative step in Mumbai’s rail infrastructure—promising a safer, more comfortable, and efficient future for daily commuters.
