Mumbai’s suburban rail network is set for a major upgrade with the introduction of fully air-conditioned Vande Metro local trains in 12, 15, and 18-coach configurations. The move aims to ease overcrowding
and improve commuter comfort across the city’s busy transit system.
The Mumbai Railway Vikas Corporation Ltd (MRVC) has floated a global tender of around Rs 21,000 crore for the procurement and maintenance of 2,856 air-conditioned coaches, according to The Free Press Journal.
The plan covers the supply of trains, 35 years of comprehensive maintenance, and the construction of two new maintenance depots for Central and Western Railways under the Mumbai Urban Transport Project (MUTP) Phases III and IIIA. Tender submissions will open on December 8, 2025, with bids set to be opened on December 22.
Advanced Features
All Vande Metro trains are expected to be fully air-conditioned and designed for suburban operations. They will include automatic door-closing systems, higher acceleration and deceleration, cushioned seating, mobile charging points and vendor compartments with separate AC ducts.
As per the report, the first prototype of these trains is expected to be launched within two years of the contract award. As per the MRVC, these trains will be equipped with safety systems that meet global standards, advanced braking technology, and a design optimised for smooth passenger flow and reduced overcrowding.
The coaches will also ensure faster and safer transit across Mumbai’s suburban corridors, along with consistent cooling and passenger comfort in the city’s challenging climatic conditions.
“The project represents a massive leap forward in urban transport infrastructure for Mumbai and will drastically improve the daily commute for millions while enhancing safety, energy efficiency, and service quality,” according to MRVC Chairman and Managing Director Vikas Sopan.
Earlier, the Maharashtra government approved two new metro projects along with several other key infrastructure initiatives. The state cabinet cleared the Rs 23,487 crore Metro Line-11, which will run from Wadala to the Gateway of India, and a 29-km circular metro line in Thane.
