Mumbai suburban rail to get 238 AC Vande Metro trains under modernisation plan

Mumbai’s suburban railway network, the lifeline for millions of daily commuters, is poised for a major transformation with the Mumbai Railway Vikas Corporation Ltd (MRVC) initiating a competitive bidding process for 238 state-of-the-art Vande Metro Air-Conditioned electric multiple unit (EMU) trainsets. The new fleet will include 2,856 next-generation coaches under the Mumbai Urban Transport Project (MUTP) Phase-3 and 3-A.

Unlike conventional train procurements, the project comes with a 35-year comprehensive maintenance framework, signalling a long-term commitment to passenger safety, comfort, and operational reliability. MRVC in a press release issued on Saturday said the move aims to ensure sustained benefits for millions of Mumbaikars for decades.

The Vande Metro coaches are designed to redefine suburban travel.

Walk-through trains with wider inter-car gangways will allow better crowd distribution, while roof-mounted and underslung equipment will maximise usable standing and seating space. Ergonomic modular cushioned seating will include dedicated spaces for persons with disabilities and wheelchair users, and larger windows will enhance visibility of stations and surroundings.

Passenger health and comfort are a priority. Advanced HVAC systems with high-efficiency filtration will reduce viruses and bacteria, while automatic air regulation will adapt to passenger load. Safety features include automatic sliding doors with obstacle detection, smoke and fire alarms, CCTV, Passenger Emergency Alarm (PEA), Emergency Talk Back (ETB) systems, and external sidewall cameras for monitoring boarding and deboarding. High-visibility LED displays will indicate destination, rake length, and Fast or Slow service.

The coaches are engineered for Mumbai’s high-density network and coastal climate, with top speeds of 130 kmph, regenerative braking, corrosion-resistant anti-saline coatings, flood-resilient underframes, and silent saloon designs. A digital passenger ecosystem will include USB charging ports, infotainment, Wi-Fi, dynamic route maps, and real-time Passenger Information Systems.

Vande Metro set to modernise Mumbai’s suburban travel under `Make in India` initiative

The project will see fleet expansion and infrastructure support, including 12- and 15-car rake configurations, provisions for 18-car rakes, and two new mega maintenance depots at Bhivpuri in Karjat (Central Railway) and Vangaon in Palghar (Western Railway). Prototype rakes are expected within 2.5 years of contract award, with full delivery over four to six years.

Aligned with the Government of India’s `Make in India` initiative, the Vande Metro suburban project marks a shift from short-term capacity additions to a life-cycle-based, performance-driven modernisation of Mumbai’s rail network. Once operational, these next-generation trains are expected to transform the daily commuting experience, combining global standards, reliability, and comfort for millions of city residents.