The Mumbai Railway Vikas Corporation (MRVC) has started upgrading six existing EMU carsheds across Mumbai’s Central and Western Railway networks to prepare for 238 new AC local trains, scheduled to enter service in phases from 2027. The combined upgrade cost is estimated at Rs 199 crore, with the work targeted for completion within 24 months.
The facilities at Mumbai Central, Kandivali and Virar on Western Railway, and Kurla, Kalwa and Sanpada on Central Railway, will be equipped to maintain AC locals along with 12- and 15-coach non-AC trains. Western Railway’s work is estimated at Rs 159 crore, while Central Railway’s three carsheds will account for around Rs 40 crore.
The upgrades will support the fleet until dedicated AC local depots are ready. MRVC has planned depots at Bhiwri on Central Railway and Vangaon on Western Railway, with work at Vangaon already underway.
Maintenance facilities will cover brakes, wheels, traction motors, doors, electrical equipment, batteries and bogies, along with AC systems including compressors, blowers and temperature-control equipment. The trains will be supplied by coach factories in Chennai, Kapurthala and Rae Bareli.
Source: The Free Press Journal
