Mumbai: Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has announced a landmark upgrade for Mumbai’s suburban rail network, unveiling plans to introduce fully air-conditioned (AC) local train coaches equipped with automatic doors, all while maintaining the current second-class fare structure. This initiative aims to enhance safety and comfort for Mumbai’s massive daily commuter base of around 90 lakh passengers.

Addressing young leaders at the IIMUN Youth Connect event in Worli, Fadnavis described the future of Mumbai locals as “metro-like,” with modern, climate-controlled coaches fitted with closed doors to eliminate dangerous practices such as passengers boarding or standing on footboards. The motivation behind the upgrade is partly rooted in tragic safety concerns, highlighted by a fatal June 2025 accident near Mumbra station, where five commuters lost their lives after falling from overcrowded trains. This prompted the Bombay High Court to call commuter safety “alarming” and recommend automatic doors to prevent further accidents.

The modernisation plan, part of phases 3 and 3A of the Mumbai Urban Transport Project, will see the procurement of 268 new AC train rakes, gradually replacing the outdated, doorless coaches that dominate the Western and Central rail lines. Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has stated that the first batch of these advanced trains will begin arriving by December 2025. Central Railway has already boosted AC services, adding 14 new weekday trains earlier this year, increasing the total to 80.

Fadnavis reassured commuters that despite these major enhancements, ticket prices for second-class passengers will remain the same, urging the Railway Ministry to uphold this commitment. The Chief Minister also highlighted the integration of services via the Mumbai One app, facilitating hassle-free travel across local trains, metro trains, and buses.