CR to Introduce More 15-Coach Local Trains by December 2025, Platform Expansion Underway

A major relief is in store for lakhs of Mumbai commuters who depend on Central Railway’s suburban trains. To ease the heavy crowding in local trains, Central Railway is set to increase the number of 15-coach locals.

To facilitate this, platform extension work is underway at 27 of the 34 stations under the Mumbai division, and officials aim to complete it by December 2025. Once ready, the longer trains will provide more capacity and comfort to daily passengers.

Due to persistent overcrowding, commuters had long demanded the introduction of 15-coach trains instead of the existing 12-coach ones. The railway administration has now responded positively to that demand. Each 15-coach train will carry significantly more passengers, thereby reducing congestion.

According to a report by Zee 24 Taas, the new 15-coach trains will operate on both fast and slow routes. Initially, some existing 12-coach locals will be converted to 15-coach configurations, and their number will gradually increase in phases.

Central Railway has already launched a large-scale platform extension drive across its Mumbai division. Public Relations Officer Swapnil Nila said that 27 stations are expected to complete the work by the end of 2025, after which 15-coach trains can be introduced on those routes.

Most of these stations lie along the Kalyan–Khapoli and Kalyan–Kasara routes, which will particularly benefit long-distance suburban commuters.

Stations expected to be ready by December 2025: Vitthalwadi, Ulhasnagar, Karjat, Khopoli, Ambernath, Ambivli, Vashind, Asangaon, Atgaon, Shelu, Badlapur, Bhivpuri, Palasdari, Mumbra, Kalwa, Kopar, Thakurli, Titwala, and Kasara.

Other stations under expansion: CSMT, Thane, Kalyan, Dombivli, Vangani, and Khadavli.

Because of the ongoing platform works, the annual November timetable update has been postponed this year. Once the expansion is complete, a new schedule will be released in the coming year.

Additionally, new AC locals will soon join the Central Railway fleet. Currently, the division operates six AC locals with about 80 trips daily. The new AC trains are expected to run on either the Harbour Line or Main Line, further improving passenger comfort.

Also Read: Mumbai: Crash During Monorail Trial on Chembur–Jacob Circle Route; Inquiry Ordered