The long-awaited 18-car AC local dream for Mumbai commuters moved a step closer on Wednesday after the Maharashtra Cabinet cleared a proposal for 238 new AC local trains. The Mumbai Railway Vikas Corporation (MRVC) will now float global tenders worth Rs 21,000 crore this month. mid-day had first reported on the 18-car local plan in July 2025.
Welcoming the decision, MRVC chairman and managing director Vilas S Wadekar said, “With gratitude, we welcome the Maharashtra government’s Cabinet approval for MUTP Phase 3B and the Pune–Lonavala 3rd and 4th line. These projects will ease congestion on Maharashtra’s busiest rail corridors and enhance suburban capacity by segregating mainline and suburban corridors. MRVC is committed to creating a safer, sustainable, and more reliable suburban railway system for commuters.”
AC local train at CSMT. Pic/Ashish Raje
The proposed trains will be sleek, Metro-like, and packed with commuter-friendly features: cushioned seating, mobile charging ports, infotainment screens, luggage compartments, and fully walkthrough vestibules.
Each coach will have two 25-ton HVAC units — more powerful than the current system — and trains will run at speeds of up to 130 kmph, compared to the current 100–110 kmph. Faster acceleration and deceleration, powered by 50 per cent traction (up from 33 per cent in existing trains), will offset longer dwell times (increased by 20 seconds) caused by automatic doors.
Timeline and rollout
MRVC sources said tenders will be floated for 2856 coaches, configured into 12, 15, or 18-car trains depending on future corridor requirements. While technical specifications for 18-car trains will be ready, actual deployment will depend on demand.
The first prototype is expected within 2.5 years of tender allotment, with full production likely to take around seven years. Two new EMU car sheds at Bhivpuri (Central Railway) and Vangaon (Western Railway) will be built to house the fleet, operated by the private manufacturer.
Key features of new AC locals:
>> Faster acceleration and braking with 50% powering
>> Fully walk through the vestibules with luggage space at both ends
>> Stronger air-conditioning with dual 25-ton units per coach
>> Cushioned seats, charging ports, and infotainment systems
>> Speed potential of 130 kmph
