Mumbai: In a significant step towards easing congestion and improving suburban travel, the Western Railway has announced the introduction of 15-car local train services for the first time on the Virar–Dahanu corridor. This long-awaited move is expected to bring major relief to thousands of daily commuters traveling along the busy stretch.
First-Time Upgrade on Virar–Dahanu Route
At present, suburban services operating between Virar and Dahanu primarily run with 12 coaches. The upgrade to 15-car trains marks a historic first for this section, significantly enhancing passenger capacity.
Increase in Train Capacity
Railway officials stated that the transition from 12-car to 15-car rakes will increase carrying capacity by nearly 20–25%, helping reduce overcrowding during peak hours. The move is particularly important for commuters from fast-growing regions such as Palghar, Boisar, and Dahanu.
Services to Be Upgraded
A total of around 17 suburban services are being converted into 15-car trains:
8 services on the Virar–Dahanu route
9 services on the Churchgate–Virar stretch
Two new 15-car train rakes have already been inducted and positioned at the Virar carshed to support the rollout.
Infrastructure Enhancements
To facilitate longer trains, key infrastructure upgrades have been carried out, especially at Virar station:
Platforms extended to accommodate 15 coaches
Platform width increased for better passenger movement
Construction of an additional platform (5A)
Successful trial runs of 15-car EMU trains completed
These improvements ensure safe and efficient operations of longer suburban trains.
Part of a Larger Expansion Plan
The initiative is aligned with the ongoing Virar–Dahanu quadrupling project, aimed at increasing line capacity, improving frequency, and supporting future suburban expansion. Plans are also underway to develop additional maintenance infrastructure, including a proposed carshed near Dahanu.
Relief for Daily Commuters
The Virar–Dahanu corridor has witnessed a sharp rise in ridership over the years, leading to severe overcrowding in existing services. The introduction of 15-car trains is expected to:
Reduce passenger congestion
Improve boarding and travel comfort
Enhance overall commuting experience
Expected Rollout
With trial runs already completed, the upgraded services are expected to be introduced in the near future, with phased implementation across identified routes.
