Mumbai Suburban Rail Gets Rs 17 Billion Boost with AC Local Trains

10 Sep 2025 CW Team

To strengthen Mumbai’s suburban rail network, Indian Railways (IR) has launched several initiatives, including laying new lines and increasing train frequencies. Earlier this year, Railway Minister Mr Ashwini Vaishnaw highlighted infrastructure development as the key to expanding suburban services. “Projects worth nearly Rs 17 billion, covering more than 300 kilometres of new lines, are currently progressing rapidly. These initiatives aim to decongest existing lines, improve service frequency, and meet the growing demand of Mumbai’s suburban commuters,” he said.

Mumbai Suburban Rail Upgrade Plans

The national transporter has now planned to introduce air-conditioned (AC) local trains in 12, 15 and 18-car configurations. The Mumbai Rail Vikas Corporation (MRVC) has floated a global tender for the procurement and maintenance of 2,856 AC Vande Metro coaches for the suburban network.

“Procurement and maintenance of 2,856 cars in 12/15/18-car configurations of AC Vande Metro (Suburban) Broad Gauge rakes with comprehensive maintenance for 35 years, including the construction of two new maintenance depots under MUTP-III and MUTP-3A,” the MRVC said in a statement.

Mumbai Local Train News

In March, Mr Vaishnaw announced that the procurement of 238 AC local trains had been approved for the Mumbai suburban network. “During my visit to Maharashtra and discussions with Chief Minister Mr Devendra Fadnavis regarding improvements in Mumbai local trains, this matter was raised. We are pleased to announce that the procurement of 238 new local trains has finally been approved,” he stated in Parliament.

In April, the Central Railway (CR) zone introduced 14 new AC local train services on the Main Line. These new services replaced older non-AC trains, keeping the total suburban service count at over 1,800 daily.

Along with providing a safer and cooler commute, AC local trains have also become an economical option for passengers, further enhancing the suburban travel experience.

Equipment

09 Jan 2026

BKT Partners All Teams in India’s Women’s T20 League

Balkrishna Industries (BKT), a global leader in the off-highway tyre market, announced its association as the Official Tyre Partner for all five teams competing in India’s premier women’s T20 championship – Mumbai Indians, Royal Challengers Bangalore, Delhi Capitals, Gujarat Giants, and UP Warriorz – for the upcoming season. This move reinforces BKT’s commitment to using sport as a platform for inclusion, opportunity, and long-term development.These partnerships reflect BKT’s belief in the transformative power of sport, particularly in advancing women’s participation and creating..

Rajesh Power Secures 65 MW BESS Project in Gujarat

Rajesh Power Services has recently secured a 65 MW / 130 MWh standalone Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) project in Gujarat, marking its entry into utility-scale energy storage. The company received a Letter of Intent from Gujarat Urja Vikas Nigam for the project, which will be developed at Virpore under a tariff-based competitive bidding mechanism supported by Viability Gap Funding through the Power System Development Fund.The project is expected to be executed within 18 months from the signing of the Battery Energy Storage Purchase Agreement. With the ability to supply 65 MW of power for..

ONGC Forms JV with MOL for Ethane Shipping Operations

Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (Oil and Natural Gas Corporation) has recently entered the ethane shipping segment through joint venture agreements with M/s Mitsui O.S.K. Lines Ltd (Mitsui O.S.K. Lines), Japan. The agreements involve equity participation in two joint venture entities—Bharat Ethane One IFSC Private Limited and Bharat Ethane Two IFSC Private Limited—registered at GIFT City, Gandhinagar.Under the arrangement, ONGC will subscribe to 2,00,000 equity shares of Rs 100 each in both entities, resulting in a 50 per cent equity holding in each joint venture, with the remaining stake ..