With the number of commuters increasing daily on the suburban rail network between Andheri and Virar, the Western Railways has planned to introduce 121 additional 15-coach trains in phases.
According to Hindustan Times, these 121 additional 15-coach trains will cost around Rs 490 crore. In the first phase, the WR will introduce 22 local train services of 15-coach trains between Andheri and Virar. The first phase is likely to kick off within the next six months. In the second phase, the WR will extend platforms number two and three of Virar railway station, this extension work will cost Rs 18 crore.
A WR official told the leading daily, “The introduction of 15-coach local trains in phases will give us time to work on the infrastructure required for the operation of the services.” The WR in the third phase will provide 27 platform extensions at 14 suburban railway stations and will also construct fifth and sixth lines. Currently, the WR operates 54 services with four 15-coach trains between Churchgate and Virar.