In a significant move to modernize Mumbai’s suburban rail network, Indian Railways has decided to shift its strategy by cancelling private tenders in favor of manufacturing 238 new air-conditioned local rakes within its own production facilities. This ambitious project, aimed at transforming the suburban travel experience into a metro-style system, will see production distributed across three major national hubs to ensure a steady supply of modern rakes.
Key highlights of the project include:
• 238 new AC local rakes to be manufactured in-house by Indian Railways.
• Production to take place at Integral Coach Factory (ICF) Chennai, Modern Coach Factory (MCF) Raebareli, and Rail Coach Factory (RCF) Kapurthala.
• Total project cost estimated at ₹19,293 crore under MUTP-3 and MUTP-3A.
• First AC rake expected by 2027, with the full fleet rollout completed by 2030.
Modernizing Mumbai Suburban Travel
By bringing the manufacturing process in-house, railway officials aim to accelerate the timeline and ensure better quality control for the city’s lifeline. These new trains are set to feature under-slung technology, which is designed to optimize passenger capacity and provide more standing room. The shift away from traditional designs marks a major upgrade for daily commuters who rely on the suburban network.
Features and Performance Upgrades
The upcoming fleet will be equipped with state-of-the-art amenities to enhance passenger comfort. Travelers can look forward to advanced HVAC systems, cushioned seating, modern passenger information displays, and convenient onboard charging points. Beyond comfort, these rakes are engineered for higher performance, with a design speed of up to 130 kmph. This infrastructure leap is expected to significantly reduce travel times and improve the overall reliability of the Mumbai suburban rail service, marking a new chapter for one of the busiest rail networks in the world.