Mumbai Local Trains to Go ‘Metro-Style’ High-Tech: 238 AC Trains to Roll Out by 2029 Without Fare Hikes

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis Announces Major Upgrade Following Key Meeting with Union Railway Minister; Coaches to Feature Vande Bharat Technology

Mumbai, August 13: Mumbai’s local train network often hailed as the lifeline of millions of daily commuters is set to transform into a high-tech, comfortable experience akin to a modern metro system. Marking a landmark chapter in Mumbai’s suburban rail history, a major decision has been taken to convert all suburban local trains into fully air-conditioned (AC) services by 2029. Announcing the decision, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis highlighted that Mumbai will receive a total of 238 new AC local trains. He emphasized that both the Central and State Governments are committed to providing commuters with a clean, modern, and rapid transit experience.

In a significant relief for daily commuters, CM Fadnavis assured that there will be no fare hike for second-class tickets, ensuring that public transport remains affordable for the general public.

Addressing the timeline, the Chief Minister noted that at the previous pace of manufacturing, receiving these new coaches before 2030 would have been unlikely. To expedite the process, CM Fadnavis recently met with Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw to discuss accelerating production. Following their discussion, on Wednesday, August 12, the Railway Minister directed three major railway coach factories to speed up manufacturing. Notably, these high-tech local train coaches are being built in the same facilities currently manufacturing the acclaimed Vande Bharat express trains.

Welcoming this milestone, Chief Minister Fadnavis expressed his gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw. He stated that Mumbaikars deserved metro-quality suburban transit facilities, and the path to achieving that vision is now fully clear.