In a continued effort to enhance carrying capacity and provide a more comfortable commuting experience, Western Railway (WR)has decided to augment 16 existing 12-car suburban services into 15-car services w.e.f. March 19, 2026.
This augmentation aims to address the growing passenger demand by increasing the capacity of trains. The move will help in reducing overcrowding and improving convenience for daily commuters across the Mumbai Suburban network.
Out of these 16 trains, 8 local trains will run on the Virar-Churchgate route during rush hours. There will be 4 local trains from Churchgate to Virar in the morning and 4 local trains from Virar to Churchgate in the evening.
The other 8 trains will run on Churchgate-Virar, Dadar-Borivali, and Nalasopara-Churchgate routes throughout the day.
Check timings here:
The official explained that upgrading from 12-coach to 15-coach formations will reduce in-train congestion and ease the volume of passengers boarding and alighting at stations simultaneously, thereby improving the commuter experience both on trains and at platforms.
Currently, work is underway on Western Railway and Central Railway to increase the number of local trains to 15 coaches. Meanwhile, work is underway to extend platforms at Vile Parle, Santacruz, Khar Road and Bandra railway stations of Western Railway.
Moreover, work is underway to extend platforms at a total of 36 railway stations of Central Railway.