In a major boost for Mumbai’s suburban commuters, Indian Railways has announced an ambitious plan to manufacture **238 new air-conditioned (AC) local rakes** internally. By shifting production to its own facilities, the railway administration aims to significantly accelerate the modernization of the city’s rail network, with the entire fleet expected to be operational by **2030**.
Key highlights of this development include:
- Internal Production: Rakes will be built at ICF Chennai, RCF Kapurthala, and MCF Raebareli.
- Faster Delivery: The move advances the completion date from 2034 to 2030.
- Project Timeline: The first AC rake is scheduled for delivery in 2027.
- Strategic Shift: The decision follows the cancellation of a private tender to avoid potential delays.
Accelerating Mumbai Suburban Modernization
This strategic decision, announced on August 12, 2026, replaces an earlier procurement plan that relied on private contractors. By bringing the manufacturing process in-house, the Mumbai Railway Vikas Nigam Limited (MRVC) aims to provide a more reliable and faster rollout of AC services. According to Vilas S. Wadekar, Chairman and Managing Director of MRVC, this collaborative effort across three major production units will ensure that the demand for increased passenger comfort is met efficiently.
Infrastructure and Network Expansion
Beyond the new AC rakes, MRVC is overseeing several critical infrastructure projects to decongest Mumbai’s rail corridors. The Panvel-Karjat new corridor is currently in its final stages and is expected to undergo a Commissioner of Railway Safety (CRS) inspection by the end of 2026. Other ongoing efforts include the expansion of the Virar-Dahanu Road fourth line and the construction of the Borivali-Virar fifth and sixth lines, alongside various station redevelopment initiatives.
Growing AC Local Footprint
This manufacturing push complements the existing growth of AC services on the network. As of June 29, 2026, Central Railway successfully converted 12 non-AC local trains to AC on its Main Line. Currently, there are 120 AC local services operating across the network, with 92 services on the Main Line and 28 on the Harbor Line. This transition reflects the railway’s commitment to enhancing the daily travel experience for millions of Mumbaikars, ensuring a cooler and more modern commute in the years ahead.