Western Railway to induct two new 15-car local trains

New 15-car suburban train from the Integral Coach Factory, Chennai, en route to Mumbai for induction on the Western Railway network. Pic/By Special Arrangement

Mumbai's Western Railway suburban network is set to get a capacity boost, with two new 15-car train sets from the Integral Coach Factory in Chennai expected to be inducted over the next few weeks. Railway sources said one rake has already departed the factory and is on its way to Mumbai, while the second is expected by the end of the month.

"Once commissioned, the new stock will allow the Railways to convert around 20-22 existing 12-car services into 15-car formations, significantly increasing peak-hour carrying capacity on crowded routes," a WR official told mid-day.

Capacity impact

New rakes arriving: 2
Services likely to be converted: About 20-22
Capacity gain per train: ~25 per cent more than a 12-car rake

Railway officials say longer trains could help distribute crowds more evenly across coaches and platforms.

What railway officials say

A Western Railway official said the new trains would allow several existing services to be lengthened, helping improve peak-hour capacity. Further conversions will depend on the availability of rolling stock and maintenance resources. Officials say more upgrades are being planned as daily commuter numbers continue to climb.