Mumbai’s upcoming fleet of 238 AC local train rakes is set to bring several passenger-comfort and performance upgrades, although the first batch will largely follow the design of the AC locals currently operating on the suburban network.
The first 20 rakes are expected to be delivered by December 2027. The remaining 218 rakes will gradually incorporate proposed changes aimed at improving passenger comfort, onboard facilities and train performance.
Among the major upgrades being considered are cushioned seats, better access to mobile charging facilities and improved air-conditioning systems. Passenger information and infotainment screens, similar to those used in metro trains, are also part of the proposed design.
Cushioned Seats And Charging Facilities
The newer rakes are expected to replace the existing steel seats with cushioned seating. Railway officials are also considering providing access to a mobile charging point for each seat, making the facility more convenient for daily commuters.
The air-conditioning system is also expected to receive a substantial upgrade. The proposed rakes could feature two 25-tonne-capacity HVAC units per coach, compared with the 15-tonne units currently used in existing AC locals.
Higher Speed And Better Acceleration
The new trains are also being designed with higher power capacity to improve acceleration. Railway officials are examining a possible increase in power supply capacity from the current 33 per cent to 50 per cent.
The higher power output is expected to help the trains accelerate more quickly, potentially reducing some of the time lost at stations while doors are opened and closed.
The proposed rakes could also be capable of reaching speeds of up to 130 kmph, compared with the approximately 100-110 kmph capability of the existing AC locals. A sharper front-end design is also being considered as part of efforts to improve aerodynamics.
First 20 Rakes May Retain Existing Design
While the upgraded features are being considered for the later batches, the first 20 rakes are expected to broadly follow the design of the latest AC locals already operating in Mumbai.
The phased approach would allow the Railways to start receiving and deploying the new trains while modifications are incorporated into subsequent production lots instead of delaying the entire 238-rake programme.
The Mumbai Railway Vikas Corporation recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Integral Coach Factory in Chennai for the production and procurement of the new AC EMU rakes.
Production will be divided among three railway manufacturing units. Integral Coach Factory will manufacture 120 rakes, while Rail Coach Factory in Kapurthala will produce 71 and Modern Coach Factory in Rae Bareli will manufacture 47.
Production is expected to begin in 2027, with the complete 238-rake order targeted for completion by 2030.
CR Or WR? Allocation To Depend On Demand
The allocation of the new AC locals between Central Railway and Western Railway is expected to take into account passenger demand and the response to existing AC services.
A senior railway official said the railway zone showing stronger passenger response to AC local services could receive the initial batches of the new rakes.
Central Railway currently operates around 1,820 suburban services, including about 120 AC services. Western Railway operates around 1,414 suburban services, of which 147 are AC services.
Mumbai’s first AC local service was introduced on December 25, 2017. Since then, the AC fleet has expanded, although AC services still account for a smaller portion of the overall suburban network.
238 New Rakes To Expand AC Local Network
The addition of 238 rakes is expected to substantially increase the availability of air-conditioned suburban services in Mumbai. Their deployment will also depend on the commissioning of additional suburban infrastructure being developed under the Mumbai Urban Transport Project.
For commuters, the later batches could bring noticeable changes compared with the existing AC locals, particularly through cushioned seating, easier charging access, stronger air-conditioning, passenger information screens and improved acceleration.
With production scheduled to begin in 2027, the first 20 rakes are expected to provide an early expansion of Mumbai’s AC local fleet, while the subsequent 218 rakes are likely to introduce the proposed upgraded features as production progresses.
