Mumbai Local: Western Railway Trials 18-Coach Trains for Massive Capacity Boost

• Western Railway to conduct safety trials for 18-coach EMU local trains in late January to boost Mumbai's passenger capacity.
• Emergency Braking Distance (EBD) and coupler force trials are scheduled for January 14-15 on the Virar–Dahanu Road section.
• Two 18-coach rakes, equipped with Bombardier and Medha electrical systems, will be tested at speeds up to 110 kmph.
• Operational rollout is not immediate; it depends on trial outcomes, infrastructure readiness, and regulatory approvals.
• The Virar–Dahanu stretch was chosen for its longer, uninterrupted runs, allowing safer high-speed testing for potential relief during peak hours.

Why It Matters: Western Railway trials 18-coach EMU trains to boost Mumbai Local capacity, pending safety and infrastructure checks.