Archive · 7 Jan 2026
Mumbai to Test 18-Car Local Trains
Mumbai's Western Railway is going to test new, longer trains with 18 cars.
These tests will check if the trains can stop quickly and safely in emergencies.
The tests will happen on a part of the track called the Virar-Dahanu Road section.
Right now, most trains in Mumbai have 12 cars, and some have 15.
The new 18-car trains could help more people travel during busy times.
The tests are not a guarantee that these trains will start running right away.
The railway needs to make sure everything is safe and ready before that happens.
Western Railway to conduct safety trials for 18-car EMU local trains on January 14 and 15, 2026.
Tests include Emergency Braking Distance (EBD) and Coupler Force (CF) checks on the Virar-Dahanu Road section.
Two rakes being tested: one with Bombardier electrical equipment and another with Medha electrical systems.
Successful trials could increase passenger capacity on the busy Western suburban line without adding more services.
Final decisions on operation depend on trial results, infrastructure readiness, and further approvals.
- Who
- Western Railway, Mumbai
- What
- Safety trials for 18-car local trains
- When
- January 14 and 15, 2026
- Where
- Virar-Dahanu Road section, Western line
- Why
- To increase passenger capacity on the busy Western suburban line
- Train Type
- 18-car Electric Multiple Unit (EMU)
- Test Dates
- January 14 and 15, 2026
- Test Section
- Virar-Dahanu Road section, Western line
- Test Speeds
- Up to 110 km/h (Bombardier) and 105 km/h (Medha)
- Current Train Length
- 12 coaches (mostly), some 15-coach trains
- Daily Passengers
- Over 7.5 million