Palghar, April 6 Western Railway will increase 17 suburban train services to 15-car rakes, including the first-ever introduction of 15-coach services on the Virar-Dahanu corridor, an official said on Monday.
He said two new 15-car rakes have been added to the Virar car shed as part of efforts to increase suburban capacity and reduce crowding.
"Approximately 17 services will be converted from 12-car to 15-car trains. Of these, eight services will operate on the Virar-Dahanu section, where 15-car trains are being introduced for the first time," said the Western Railway Chief PRO.
He added that nine services on the busy Churchgate-Virar route will also be upgraded to 15-car formations.
This move aims to improve passenger convenience on key suburban stretches, particularly in the extended northern section of the Western Railway network, which has experienced growing commuter demand.
The official said that the augmentation is expected to be implemented later this month.
The introduction of longer trains is likely to provide additional carrying capacity during peak hours and reduce overcrowding, especially on routes connecting the Palghar district with Mumbai's suburban network, officials said.
