Mumbai suburban rail network to get 238 AC EMU rakes by 2030

Indian Railways will manufacture 238 air-conditioned EMU rakes for Mumbai's suburban network, with Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw saying the project has been accorded priority to ensure trains are available as new infrastructure under the Mumbai Urban Transport Project (MUTP) becomes operational.

Production of the new trainsets is scheduled to start in 2027, while the complete fleet is targeted for delivery by 2030, according to the Railway Ministry.

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The 238 rakes will be split among three railway manufacturing facilities. Integral Coach Factory (ICF) in Chennai will produce 120 rakes, Rail Coach Factory (RCF) in Kapurthala will manufacture 71, and Modern Coach Factory (MCF) in Raebareli will build the remaining 47.

"The step has been taken to ensure the timely availability of rolling stock in line with the commissioning of infrastructure under the Mumbai Urban Transport Project (MUTP)," the ministry said.

Production plan spread across three railway factories

The decision comes as Indian Railways works to match the expansion and commissioning of Mumbai's suburban transport infrastructure with the availability of trains.

The Railway Board has cleared procurement of the sanctioned AC EMU rakes using specifications already established by the Research Designs and Standards Organisation (RDSO) and ICF. Using existing specifications is expected to facilitate faster manufacturing and deployment.

The ministry said its production units have experience in building several modern passenger train platforms, including AC EMUs, Vande Bharat and Vande Metro trainsets.

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First trainsets expected in 2027

According to the ministry's production schedule, Mumbai is expected to start receiving the new trainsets in 2027. The remaining rakes will be manufactured progressively, with all 238 slated to be completed by 2030.

The government said synchronising train availability with infrastructure development would help prevent newly commissioned facilities from remaining underutilised for want of rolling stock.

"The availability of the first trainsets during 2027, followed by completion of the entire requirement by 2030, will help bridge the gap between infrastructure commissioning and rolling stock induction and enable optimum utilisation of the infrastructure," it said.