Virar Goes Big: 15-Car Train Upgrade Kicks Off to Ease WR Crowding.

Western Railway (WR) is set to launch a crucial three-month upgrade at Virar station to enable 15-car train operations on the 60-km Virar–Dahanu corridor, easing congestion on one of the busiest suburban stretches.

Beginning Friday, WR and the Mumbai Rail Vikas Corporation (MRVC) will construct a new Platform 5A and widen Platforms 3A and 4A to accommodate longer trains. The new Platform 5A, positioned at the station’s north-west end, will be 5–6 metres wide and will support 15-car services in both directions. To complement this upgrade, WR has sought five additional rakes from ICF Chennai to convert existing 12-car locals into 15-car formations.

The enhancements are expected to boost capacity by 25%, reduce peak-hour crowding, increase train frequency, and improve passenger flow through a newly planned station deck. The works are targeted for completion by March 2026.

News by Rahul Yelligetti.