Daijiworld Media Network- Mumbai

Mumbai, Apr 4: In a bid to enhance commuter convenience and reduce overcrowding, Western Railway (WR) is planning to convert approximately 100 existing 12-car local train services into 15-car trains by the end of this year. The initiative is expected to boost passenger capacity by 25%, providing much-needed relief to daily travellers.

According to a senior WR official, the augmentation aims to improve both convenience and comfort for passengers, especially during peak hours. “WR has always strived hard to provide the best possible services to its esteemed commuters by enhancing service capacity and infrastructure. We continue to adopt the latest technology to improve and expand our services,” the official stated.

Currently, WR operates about 1,250 local services, of which only 79 are 15-car trains, while the rest continue to be 12-car services. The upgradation involves significant infrastructure improvements, including platform extensions at 14 stations and modifications to railway yards, completed at an estimated cost of Rs 60 crore.

The major infrastructure overhaul spans a 40-km stretch between Andheri and Virar. It includes extending platforms at 14 stations to accommodate the longer trains, remodelling of four major railway yards—Andheri, Bhayander, Vasai Road, and Virar—and the construction or extension of five foot overbridges. Additionally, a Double Discharge facility has been introduced at Jogeshwari station to ensure smoother dispersal of commuters.

The Western Railway had first introduced 15-car services on its slow line between Andheri and Virar on June 28, 2021. The new initiative aims to build on that success and expand the availability of longer trains, thereby improving commuter comfort across the network.

This ambitious move by WR is expected to make commuting more efficient and comfortable for lakhs of passengers who rely on the suburban rail network every day.