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Nearly 3.5 million people who travel daily on the Central Railway (CR) suburban network may soon get a more comfortable journey. By the middle of next year, CR is expected to introduce more 15-coach trains and complete extending platforms at 34 stations, according to railway officials. Currently, CR has only
two 15-coach trains that run 22 services a day, while all other services use 12-coach trains. Since 15-coach trains are longer, they can only run on fast lines at 10 major stations, including CSMT, Byculla, Dadar, Kurla, Ghatkopar, Bhandup, Mulund, Thane, Dombivli, and Kalyan. On Saturday, tenders were issued to upgrade 20 existing 12-coach trains by adding three coaches to each.
Delay in Conversion of Plans
A 15-coach train can carry around 1,200 more passengers than a 12-coach train. A senior official said the plan to convert the trains had been delayed but was sped up after an accident in Mumbra on June 9, where five passengers died after falling from trains passing each other on a curve.
Conversion of Trains
Officials estimate that once work begins, it will take about a year to convert all 20 trains. When completed, these upgraded trains could carry around 300,000 additional passengers daily. Seven stations, including CSMT, Thane, Diva, Dombivali, Kalyan, Vangani, and Khadavli, are expected to get longer platforms by March next year. At Diva, however, a new road overbridge must be built before the platform extension can be completed.
Drawbacks of Running Longer Trains
One drawback of running longer trains is that they take 60 to 90 seconds more to change tracks at crossings. Officials say train schedules will need adjustments to avoid delays and maintain punctuality. Passenger groups welcome the move, saying longer trains and platforms will help reduce crowding on platforms and inside compartments, offering much-needed relief to daily commuters.
