Overview
- ICF rolled out the first 15-car EMU on February 18 and allotted it to Western Railway, with the rake now en route to Mumbai.
- Entry into service will follow inspection and certification, marking the first purpose-built 15-coach suburban set rather than a modified 12-car rake.
- The train is designed to carry about 7,555 passengers, offering roughly 25% higher capacity than existing 12-car services.
- ICF plans 12 additional 15-car rakes for phased deployment across Western and Central Railway, plus two non-AC sets with automatic door closure and improved ventilation.
- Western Railway is extending platforms at Vile Parle, Santacruz, Khar Road and Bandra to enable regular 15-coach operations on the Virar–Bandra corridor, while 238 new 12-car rakes have also been sanctioned for Mumbai.