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With a successful trial run completed on Sunday, Virar railway station is now ready to handle 15-coach suburban trains, bringing a potential 25 per cent jump in passenger capacity per trip on the Virar-Dahanu stretch.

Western Railway (WR) plans to run eight 15-car services between Virar and Dahanu and seven between Virar and Churchgate. But officials say this is just the beginning. A bigger capacity boost is on the horizon.

15-coach rollout: What’s changing

Total services being upgraded: ~17

Virar-Dahanu: 8 services (first time ever)

Churchgate-Virar: 9 services

Two new ready-made 15-coach trains arrived at the Virar carshed over the weekend to support the rollout. This marks the first-ever introduction of 15-coach suburban trains on the Virar-Dahanu section.

Big shift coming: Freight trains to move out

With the Western Dedicated Freight Corridor nearing completion, WR officials expect to divert nearly 30 freight trains daily from the main suburban line.

This will free up crucial track space, opening the door for more suburban services on the same stretch.

Officials describe this as a potential game-changer for Mumbai’s northern suburban corridor.

What’s been upgraded at Virar

>> Platforms 3A and 4A widened from 6.5m to 10.5m
>> Platforms extended for 15-coach trains (earlier 12-coach capacity)
>> New Platform 5A built on the western side
“The works have been completed in a record four months despite operational constraints at this high-density station,” an official said.

Trial run cleared

A 15-coach EMU trial was conducted on Sunday by Western Railway in coordination with MRVC.

The upgraded platforms will soon be handed over to the zonal railway to begin full-fledged services.

“These developments will significantly enhance carrying capacity, improve passenger convenience, and support growing demand,” an official added.

Voices from the ground

Adv Prathamesh Prabhutendolkar, joint secretary, Dahanu Vaitarna Pravasi Sevabhavi Sanstha
“Finally, the Dahanu-Virar section will get its first 15-coach suburban train service. This long-awaited step will help reduce overcrowding and improve travel for thousands of daily commuters. It is a positive move for this growing region.”
 
Himanshu Vartak, Palghar passenger activist
“The 15-coach local for Dahanu was expected after quadrupling, but even now it will help reduce crowding. During peak hours, these trains will be highly beneficial.”

Why this matters

>> ~25% more passengers per train
>> Reduced overcrowding on a fast-growing corridor
>> Better peak-hour distribution
>> Future scope for more trains once freight shifts out