[By Our Our Representative]
Mumbai : Western Railway has taken one of its biggest decisions yet to address the rising passenger traffic on Mumbai’s suburban rail network. Starting Gudi Padwa, March 19, the railway will convert 12-coach trains to 15-coach formations on the Virar-Churchgate corridor, adding 16 more services a move expected to significantly ease overcrowding for daily commuters.
A senior Western Railway official confirmed that once the additional 15-coach services are rolled out, the total number of 15-coach train services will increase from 211 to 227. However, the overall number of suburban train services will remain unchanged at 1,444.
The official explained that upgrading from 12-coach to 15-coach formations will reduce in-train congestion and ease the volume of passengers boarding and alighting at stations simultaneously, thereby improving the commuter experience both on trains and at platforms.
Also Read: Gudi Padwa 2026: Mumbai Gears Up For Grand Cultural Procession In Girgaon
Of the 16 new 15-coach services being added, eight will operate during peak hours four in the morning and four in the evening on the Virar-to-Churchgate long corridor.
Western Railway stated that while train frequency will not increase, the expanded coach capacity per service will allow more passengers to travel comfortably, reducing the pressure of crowded peak-hour trains that commuters on this busy corridor face daily.
-
-
-
-
