Mumbai Local Train Update: 15-Car Services Approved For Virar–Dahanu Route By Western Railway | Check Details

Mumbai Local Train Update: Western Railway is set to introduce 15-car suburban trains on the Virar–Dahanu stretch, marking a significant improvement for passengers who have faced crowding and limited services for years. The move comes after prolonged demands from the Virar–Dahanu Passengers Association, which has been pressing for higher-capacity trains since 2018.

Mumbai Local Train: New 15-Car Trains To Ease Peak-Hour Crowding

Officials said the upgraded trains are expected to run as fast services between Churchgate and Virar, which may help reduce travel time and ease congestion during peak hours. Although the detailed schedule is yet to be released, early indications suggest that four to six 15-car services will be introduced first before expanding further.

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Passenger numbers on this extended portion of the Western line have grown sharply. In 2020–21, stations such as Vaitarna, Saphale, Kelve Road, Palghar, Umroli, Boisar, Vangaon and Dahanu Road handled around one lakh commuters daily. This figure has now climbed to nearly 2.5 lakh. The new larger trains are expected to provide direct and immediate relief to these daily travellers.

Passengers Association Marks Victory After Years Of Appeals

The Virar-Dahanu Passengers Association described the development as a major achievement after years of correspondence and follow-ups with authorities. The Free Press Journal report cited Association leader Advocate Prathamesh as stating that he had repeatedly raised concerns about overcrowding and submitted detailed reports on the benefits of introducing 15-car EMUs. He welcomed Western Railway’s decision, calling it a significant step towards safer and more efficient travel for lakhs of commuters.

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Additional Railway Lines Near Completion To Boost Capacity

Western Railway has also confirmed progress on the third and fourth railway lines between Virar and Dahanu Road. The Mumbai Railway Vikas Corporation (MRVC), which is executing the project, aims to complete the work by the end of this financial year. Once ready, the additional tracks are expected to increase capacity further and improve the overall movement of suburban services.