Mumbai: In a major push to upgrade Mumbai’s lifeline, the Mumbai Rail Vikas Corporation (MRVC) has initiated the procurement of 238 fully air-conditioned trains, just four days after the Maharashtra Cabinet cleared the ambitious plan.

The project, part of the Mumbai Urban Transport Project (MUTP) Phase III and IIIA, will add 2,856 Vande Metro coaches in 12, 15, and 18-car formations. The first prototype rake is expected to arrive in two years from the contract award date. Two dedicated depots will be developed at Bhivpuri (Central Railway) and Vangaon (Western Railway) for long-term maintenance.

According to MRVC Chairman and Managing Director Vilas Sopan Wadekar, the initiative marks “a massive leap forward” for the suburban system, aiming to enhance passenger comfort, safety and punctuality.

Currently, most suburban trains operate with 12-car formations, with Central Railway running 22 rakes with 15 cars and Western Railway running over 210 services with 15 cars. The new 18-car trains will increase capacity to 5,256 passengers per trip, easing congestion across the Mumbai Metropolitan Region.