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Western Railway is set to introduce 15-car local train services beyond Virar for the first time, extending them up to Dahanu in Mumbai's northern suburban belt, according to a media report.
The upgrade marks a key shift for the Virar–Dahanu stretch, which has so far operated with 12-car trains, even as the high-density Churchgate–Virar corridor has long benefited from longer rakes.
According to a Times of India report, the plan involves converting 17 existing services into 15-car formations. Of these, eight trains are expected to run on the Virar–Dahanu route — introducing longer trains to this section for the first time — while nine will continue operating between Churchgate and Virar.
For commuters travelling through rapidly growing hubs such as Vasai and Palghar, the move is expected to bring some relief, particularly during peak hours. With additional coaches per train, passenger capacity will increase, potentially improving both comfort and efficiency on the line.
Railway officials told TOI that the decision comes in response to rising ridership across the extended suburbs. The northern corridor, once relatively less crowded, has seen significant population growth in recent years, putting added pressure on existing services. The introduction of 15-car trains is expected to help streamline operations and reduce strain on the current fleet.
The upgraded services are likely to be rolled out later this month, the report said. Currently, two new 15-car rakes stationed at the Virar car shed are undergoing trials ahead of deployment.
Palghar MP Hemant Savara, who has been advocating for the expansion, told TOI that the demand had been consistently raised with the ministry. "This will reduce overcrowding and at the same time increase capacity," he said.
The upgrade marks a key shift for the Virar–Dahanu stretch, which has so far operated with 12-car trains, even as the high-density Churchgate–Virar corridor has long benefited from longer rakes.
According to a Times of India report, the plan involves converting 17 existing services into 15-car formations. Of these, eight trains are expected to run on the Virar–Dahanu route — introducing longer trains to this section for the first time — while nine will continue operating between Churchgate and Virar.
For commuters travelling through rapidly growing hubs such as Vasai and Palghar, the move is expected to bring some relief, particularly during peak hours. With additional coaches per train, passenger capacity will increase, potentially improving both comfort and efficiency on the line.
Railway officials told TOI that the decision comes in response to rising ridership across the extended suburbs. The northern corridor, once relatively less crowded, has seen significant population growth in recent years, putting added pressure on existing services. The introduction of 15-car trains is expected to help streamline operations and reduce strain on the current fleet.
The upgraded services are likely to be rolled out later this month, the report said. Currently, two new 15-car rakes stationed at the Virar car shed are undergoing trials ahead of deployment.
Palghar MP Hemant Savara, who has been advocating for the expansion, told TOI that the demand had been consistently raised with the ministry. "This will reduce overcrowding and at the same time increase capacity," he said.
