View source for Mumbai Suburban Railway

{{short description|Set of railway lines in India}}
{{Use Indian English|date=September 2017}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=September 2023}}
{{Infobox public transit
| name = Mumbai Suburban Railway
| native_name = 
| image = Indian Railways Suburban Railway Logo.svg
| imagesize = 75px
| image2 = Western-Railway-Medha-EMU.jpg
| imagesize2 = 250px
| caption2 = A Medha EMU, with exactly the same design as the Bombardier rakes.
| locale = [[Mumbai Metropolitan Region]]
| transit_type = [[Commuter rail|Suburban Rail]]
| began_operation = {{Start date and age|df=yes|1853|04|16}}
| train_length = 12 or 15 coaches
| system_length = {{convert|450.9|km}} only existing lines running to rapid transit/suburban standards (Western, Central, Harbour and Port Lines).
{{convert|585.9|km}} including Vasai-Roha Line which currently has only MEMU service.
{{convert|651.5|km}} all existing and upcoming lines including new under construction greenfield lines (Panvel-Karjat and Kalyan-Murbad)
| lines = 7
| stations = 150<br />{{Unbulleted list|{{nowrap|[[Western line (Mumbai Suburban Railway)|Western]]: 37}}|[[Central line (Mumbai Suburban Railway)|Central]]: 51|[[Harbour line (Mumbai Suburban Railway)|Harbour]]: 35|[[Trans-Harbour line (Mumbai Suburban Railway)|Trans-Harbour]]: 11|[[Port line (Mumbai Suburban Railway)|Port]]: 11|[[Vasai Road–Roha line|Vasai–Roha]]: 23|[[Matheran Hill Railway|Neral–Matheran]]: 5|[[Panvel-Karjat Railway Corridor|Panvel–Karjat]]: 5}}
| ridership = 61.95 lakh/6.195 million (2022–23)<ref>{{cite web |title=Is Mumbai Local Losing Popularity? Report Shows 20% Decline in Daily Commuters Using Suburban Trains |url=https://www.news18.com/india/is-mumbai-local-losing-popularity-report-shows-20-decline-in-mumbaikars-commuting-daily-using-suburban-trains-7556269.html |website=News18 |access-date=30 September 2023 |date=15 April 2023}}</ref>
| annual_ridership = 2.261 billion
| headquarters = [[Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus]] (CR)<br /> {{stnlnk|Churchgate}} (WR)
| website = {{URL|http://www.cr.indianrailways.gov.in/|Central Railway}}<br />{{URL|http://www.wr.indianrailways.gov.in/|Western Railway}}
| el = {{25 kV 50 Hz}} [[Overhead line|overhead catenary]]
| average_speed = {{convert|35|km/h|mph|abbr=on}}
| top_speed = {{convert|110|km/h|mph|abbr=on}}
| track_gauge = {{Track gauge|1676mm|lk=on}}
| operator = '''[[Western Railway zone]]'''
* [[Western line (Mumbai Suburban Railway)|Western line]]
'''[[Central Railway zone]]'''
* [[Central line (Mumbai Suburban Railway)|Central line]]
* [[Harbour line (Mumbai Suburban Railway)|Harbour line]]
* [[Trans-Harbour line (Mumbai Suburban Railway)|Trans-Harbour line]]
* [[Port line (Mumbai Suburban Railway)|Port line]]
* [[Vasai Road–Roha line]]
* [[Matheran Hill Railway|Neral–Matheran line]]
* [[Panvel-Karjat Railway Corridor|Panvel–Karjat line]]
| alt = 
| caption = 
| owner = [[Indian Railways]]
| area served = 
| line_number = 
| start = 
| end = 
| chief_executive = 
| character = 
| vehicles = 
| map = 
| map_state = 
}}

The '''Mumbai Suburban Railway''' (colloquially called '''local trains''' or simply '''locals''')<ref>{{cite news |title=Local train derails in Mumbai |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/mumbai-local-train-derails-1535366-2019-05-27 |access-date=12 June 2019 |agency=India Today |publisher=Press Trust of India |date=27 May 2019}}</ref> consists of exclusive inner suburban railway lines, augmented by [[commuter rail]] on main lines serving outlying suburbs to serve the [[Mumbai Metropolitan Region]] in India. Spread over {{convert|450|km||abbr=}},<ref>{{Cite book|url=http://www.mrvc.indianrailways.gov.in/works/uploads/File/Study%20of%20Development%20&%20Expansion%20plan%20-Exetutive%20Summary(TA1)(1).pdf|title=Study of Development and Expansion Plan for Mumbai Suburban Rail Network}}</ref> the suburban railway operates 2,342 train services and carries more than 7.5 million commuters daily.

The daily commuters constitute around 40% of the daily commuters of Indian Railways.<ref name="Rao2014">{{cite book | author = Nirmala Rao | date = 20 November 2014 | title = Reshaping City Governance: London, Mumbai, Kolkata, Hyderabad | publisher = Routledge | pages = | isbn = 978-1-317-58151-2 | url = https://books.google.com/books?id=0TuLBQAAQBAJ&pg=PT21}}</ref><ref name=midday2017>{{cite web|title=It's not getting any better! Despite metro and monorail, Mumbai local trains getting more overcrowded|url=http://www.mid-day.com/articles/its-not-getting-any-better-despite-metro-and-monorail-mumbai-local-trains-getting-more-overcrowded/18155192|website=mid-day|date=11 April 2017 |access-date=13 April 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170413235108/http://www.mid-day.com/articles/its-not-getting-any-better-despite-metro-and-monorail-mumbai-local-trains-getting-more-overcrowded/18155192|archive-date=13 April 2017}}</ref> By annual ridership (2.64 billion), the Mumbai Suburban Railway is one of the busiest [[commuter rail]] systems in the world.<ref name="MondalSamanta2021">{{cite book | author1 = Bhaswati Mondal | author2 = Gopa Samanta | date = 26 July 2021 | title = Mobilities in India: The Experience of Suburban Rail Commuting | publisher = Springer Nature | pages = 27– | isbn = 978-3-03-078350-1 | url = https://books.google.com/books?id=nTw6EAAAQBAJ&pg=PA27}}</ref><ref name="GroverSingh2019">{{cite book | author1 = Aakriti Grover | author2 = R.B. Singh | date = 25 October 2019 | title = Urban Health and Wellbeing: Indian Case Studies | publisher = Springer Nature | pages = 99– | isbn = 978-981-13-6671-0 | url = https://books.google.com/books?id=YD25DwAAQBAJ&pg=PA99}}</ref><ref name="SandtenBauer2016">{{cite book | author1 = Cecile Sandten | author2 = Annika Bauer | date = 27 September 2016 | title = Re-Inventing the Postcolonial (in the) Metropolis | publisher = BRILL | pages = 168– | isbn = 978-90-04-32876-1 | url = https://books.google.com/books?id=WeLDDQAAQBAJ&pg=PA168}}</ref><ref name="SatapathyJoshi2018">{{cite book | author1 = Suresh Chandra Satapathy | author2 = Amit Joshi | date = 30 December 2018 | title = Information and Communication Technology for Intelligent Systems: Proceedings of ICTIS 2018, Volume 1 | publisher = Springer | pages = 116– | isbn = 978-981-13-1742-2 | url = https://books.google.com/books?id=rNqBDwAAQBAJ&pg=PA116}}</ref> 
==History==

The Mumbai Suburban Railway is an offshoot of the first passenger railway built by the British East India Company, and it is also the oldest railway system in Asia. The first train was run by the Great Indian Peninsula Railway (now Central Railway) between Bori Bunder (now Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus) and Thane, a distance of 34 km (21 mi), on 16 April 1853, at 15:35. The 14-coach train took 57 minutes to complete the 34 km journey, with a halt at Sion to refill the train's water tanks.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.dnaindia.com/mumbai/report_central-railway-puts-15-car-locals-on-track_1753241 |last=Satardekar |first=Anvaya |title=Central Railway puts 15-car locals on track |work=[[DNA India]] |date=17 October 2012 |access-date=16 July 2013}}</ref>

The next major service was initiated between [[Virar]] and [[Bombay Backbay railway station|Bombay Backbay]] by the [[Bombay, Baroda and Central India Railway]] (now [[Western Railway (India)|Western Railway]]) on 12 April 1867. {{stnlnk|Colaba}} was also added as a station on this route in 1873, and remained the southern terminus for about 57 years, before being shut down on New Year's Eve in 1930. On 3 February 1925, the first EMU (Electrical Multiple Unit) service was initiated from [[Victoria Terminus]] (now [[Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus]]) to Coorla Harbour (now [[Kurla railway station|Kurla]]) on the Central line, which was run on 1.5 kV DC traction. EMU service on the Western line, between Colaba and Borivali, commenced on 5 January 1928.<ref>{{cite web| url=https://www.irfca.org/faq/faq-mu.html|publisher=IRFCA| access-date=28 November 2018| title=Multiple Units (EMU/DMU) and other self-propelled vehicles }}</ref>By 2016, the entire network had been converted to 25 kV, 50 Hz AC traction.<ref>{{Cite web| url=https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/mumbai/end-of-an-era-mumbai-bids-goodbye-to-last-dc-local/| title=End of an era: Mumbai bids goodbye to last DC local| date=11 April 2016}}</ref>

<gallery class="left" mode="packed" heights="150">
File:Screenshot 20190704 211901.png|The first EMU service, launched in 1925
File:BB&CI-ticket.jpg|An advertisement for the [[Bombay, Baroda and Central India Railway]]
File:Mumbai suburban railway emu 3.JPG|A [[Jessop & Company|Jessop]]-built 1.5 kV DC [[Electric multiple unit|EMU]] train built in the 1950s. This design was nicknamed the ''Lovemate'', and was discontinued in 2016.  
</gallery>

==Rolling stock==
[[File:Mumbai EMU AC coaches.jpg|left|thumb|320x320px|A [[Bombardier Transportation|Bombardier]] EMU, introduced on 18 March 2015. These rakes are more common on the Western line. Each coach has a standard capacity of 400 passengers.]]
[[File:Mumbai Train.JPG|left|thumb|320x320px|Purple and White EMU]]
The suburban services are run by [[electric multiple unit]]s (EMUs) in 191 rakes (train sets) of 12-car and 15-car composition. To alleviate the problems of overcrowding, the nine-car trains have been phased out and replaced with 12-car ones. 15-coach trains were introduced on 21 November 2009. However, these are few in number. Equipment makers include [[Jessop & Company|Jessop]], Siemens, Bombardier, and Medha. The trains are manufactured at the [[Integral Coach Factory]] in [[Chennai]], [[Tamil Nadu]]. All routes are [[railway electrification|electrified]] at {{25 kV 50 Hz}} power supply from [[overhead line]]s. The Indian Railways plans to build a 700 [[Megawatt|MW]] gas-based plant in [[Thakurli]] to generate electricity to operate Mumbai's railways.<ref>{{cite web| url=https://www.dnaindia.com/mumbai/report_power-plant-for-mumbai-railways-gets-a-fillip_1667411 |first=Rajendra |last=Aklekar |title=Power plant for Mumbai railways gets a fillip |publisher=DNA India |date=26 March 2012 |access-date=16 July 2013}}</ref>

===Manufacturing===

The current fleet of both the Western and Central Railways features a few old rakes built by BHEL and ICF ([[Perambur]], [[Chennai]]), which are capable of a maximum speed of {{Cvt|85|km/h}}, MRVC Siemens Rakes which are capable of {{Cvt|100|km/h}}, ICF-built Bombardier and Medha rakes capable of running at speeds of {{Cvt|120|km/h}}<ref>{{cite web| url=https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=dhT949bstbQ| archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211117/dhT949bstbQ| archive-date=17 November 2021 | url-status=live| title=First Time On Youtube: New Sensation High Speed Bombardier EMU Local Skips Umroli In Its Full Speed| author=Saurabh Raut| date=17 October 2014| access-date=23 July 2018| website=YouTube}}{{cbignore}}</ref> under light traffic conditions. The actual average speed of the rakes on the slow lines is about {{Cvt|35|km/h}}, while rakes on fast lines, average about {{Cvt|40-50|km/h}} on a typical run. The old BHEL non-AC rakes are on the verge of being scrapped.

On 12 November 2007, the first of 129 new 12-coach rakes with upgraded facilities was inducted into the fleet of the Western Railways under the MUTP project. These rakes are popularly called Siemens rakes and have 1xxx and 2xxx numbering system. The coaches are built of [[stainless steel]], and have non-cushioned seats, emergency fluorescent lights, bigger windows with [[polycarbonate]] panes, better suspension systems, roof-mounted forced ventilation to reduce [[carbon dioxide]] levels in packed trains,<ref>{{cite web| url=https://www.dnaindia.com/mumbai/report_fresh-blueprint-for-ac-locals-on-anvil_1631044 |first=Rajendra |last=Aklekar |title=Fresh blueprint for AC locals on anvil |publisher=DNA India |date=29 December 2011 |access-date=16 July 2013}}</ref> and [[GPS]] based [[passenger information system]]s in all coaches. The new rakes are much cooler and airy than the old EMUs. The motors of the new rakes also make less noise than the older ones. Since 2010, the front of the EMUs is painted yellow so that the maintenance workers on the tracks can see the train easily. These rakes have been procured under the project at a total cost of {{INR}} 19 [[1 E9|billion]] (US$431.0 million). Siemens 5 rakes that had to be delivered as part of the first phase were sent to the city in early January 2014.

New EMUs with Bombardier Electrical procured under the [[World Bank]]-funded Mumbai Urban Transport Project-2 built at the [[Integral Coach Factory]] (ICF) in [[Chennai]] started arriving into Mumbai by April 2014. They have 5xxx numbering system. The first of these trains, to be run on Western Railway, was flagged off by Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu at Lokmanya Tilak Terminus, Kurla on Central Railway on Sunday, 27 October 2013. However, a delay of two years was anticipated due to the demands of automatic sliding doors on the trains. Under the [[Make in India]] initiative, the first Indian made rake was made by Medha. They have 6xxx series numbering. 9 car trains have a capacity of 2,628 (876 seated and 1,752 standing). 12 car trains have a capacity of 3,504 (1,168 seated and 2,336 standing).<ref>{{cite web| url=https://www.dnaindia.com/mumbai/report_railway-think-tank-rules-out-metro-like-seats-in-locals_1622391 |first=Rajendra |last=Aklekar |title=Railway think tank rules out Metro-like seats in locals |work=DNA India |date=7 December 2011 |access-date=16 July 2013}}</ref> In fall 2013, brand new 12 car rakes were introduced on the railway.<ref name="Bombay Railway History Group">{{cite web |website=Bombay Railway History Group |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151026224600/http://bombayrailway.blogspot.com/| url=http://bombayrailway.blogspot.com/| archive-date=26 October 2015| title=(home)}}</ref> On 6 November 2019, the 5533-5536 rake of Mumbai Suburban Railway, called Uttam rake which also manufactured by the ICF was introduced and ran on Western Line.<ref>[https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/industry/transportation/railways/uttam-rake-western-railway-introduces-first-non-ac-local-train-with-cctv-cameras/first-non-ac-local-train-with-cctv-cameras/slideshow/71950460.cms Western Railway Introduces Uttam Rakes for Mumbai Local], ''economictimes.com'', Retrieved 22 September 2020</ref>

===Air-conditioned rakes===
[[File:AC-EMU-Mumbai.jpg|thumb|320x320px|Air conditioned train in Mumbai]]
Discussion for AC coaches first began in 2002 and was planned to be commenced in 2013. However, major delays in finalizing the rakes' design and procurement of material deferred the project.<ref>{{cite news| title=You can travel in AC locals in Mumbai by Oct: Rail min Suresh Prabhu| url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/mumbai/you-can-travel-in-ac-locals-in-mumbai-by-oct-rail-min-suresh-prabhu/article1-1338745.aspx| access-date=19 April 2015| work=Hindustan Times| date=18 April 2015| location=Mumbai| url-status=dead| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150420041712/http://www.hindustantimes.com/mumbai/you-can-travel-in-ac-locals-in-mumbai-by-oct-rail-min-suresh-prabhu/article1-1338745.aspx| archive-date=20 April 2015| df=dmy-all}}</ref><ref>{{cite news| author1=Shashank Rao| title=Mumbai: AC-coach trials to begin in September| url=http://www.mid-day.com/articles/mumbai-ac-coach-trials-to-begin-in-september/16148172| access-date=19 April 2015| work=MiD DAY| date=19 April 2015| location=Mumbai| url-status=live| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150427143353/http://www.mid-day.com/articles/mumbai-ac-coach-trials-to-begin-in-september/16148172| archive-date=27 April 2015| df=dmy-all}}</ref>

The first air-conditioned rake for use on the suburban system was built by the Integral Coach Factory in Chennai–BHEL EMU at a cost of over {{INRConvert|50|c}}, and arrived in Mumbai on 5 April 2016. The rake has a [[seating capacity]] of 1,028 passengers, and standing room for up to 6,000 passengers. The 12 coach rake is configured as two sets of 6 interconnected bogies, meaning passengers can walk between coaches but only up to a maximum of 6 coaches. The train is also equipped with a new electrical system and software, automatic doors with emergency opening features, and GPS-based destination display on LED indicators. The old system of pulling a chain to halt the train was replaced by four intercoms per coach that enable commuters to communicate with the driver.<ref name="MM1">{{cite web| title=WR local passengers, get ready for a cool commute| url=http://mumbaimirror.indiatimes.com/mumbai/other/wr-local-passengers-get-ready-for-a-cool-commute/articleshow/58649890.cms| website=Mumbai Mirror| access-date=13 May 2017| url-status=live| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170512204925/http://mumbaimirror.indiatimes.com/mumbai/other/wr-local-passengers-get-ready-for-a-cool-commute/articleshow/58649890.cms| archive-date=12 May 2017| df=dmy-all}}</ref>

Both CR and WR competed to acquire the rake, with WR even announcing a time table for operating the air-conditioned rake. Union Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu announced that the rake would be transferred to CR on 16 March 2016.<ref name="MM1"/> However, at a height of 4.335 meters, the rake exceeds the maximum clearance height of 4.270 meters for EMU coaches on the Central Line. In particular, the rake cannot clear some of the low-height British-era bridges between CSMT and Kurla.<ref>{{cite news| title=Western Railway handed over first AC local for trials, Diwali launch likely| url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/mumbai/wr-handed-over-first-ac-local-for-trials-diwali-launch-likely/articleshow/58651048.cms| website=The Times of India| date=13 May 2017| access-date=13 May 2017| url-status=live| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170513082113/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/mumbai/wr-handed-over-first-ac-local-for-trials-diwali-launch-likely/articleshow/58651048.cms| archive-date=13 May 2017| df=dmy-all}}</ref> Then Central Railway general manager Sunil Kumar Sood insisted that CR was conduct trials and operate the rake on the Harbour Line. After acquiring the rake, CR conducted tests, safety, and mobility checks, and trial runs under the supervision of the RDSO. However, following Sood's retirement, CR abandoned plans to operate the rake in December 2016. CR informed the Railway Board that it could not operate the rake due to the clearance issue, and the Railway Board directed them to transfer the rake to WR. The rake was transferred to WR on 12 May 2017. WR General Manager Anil Kumar Gupta stated that rake would begin commercial operations on the Western Line after WR conducted its own tests and trial runs and receiving regulatory approvals. Although there are some clearance issues on the Western Line as well, Gupta stated that these could be rectified.

The First AC EMU was Flagged off on 25 December 2017 in WR. The first  AC local train in Mumbai began operation in December 2017 and crossed the 10 lakh passenger mark within the first five months. The summer months of March and April saw over 3 lakh passengers take the AC local each month. The train, operated by Western Railway (WR), currently plies between Churchgate and Virar. It has a seating capacity of 1,028 seats and can carry 5,964 passengers. The monthly pass on the AC local train will cost (from Churchgate) between {{INRConvert|570|}} (till Mumbai Central) to {{INRConvert|820|}} (till Bandra) to {{INRConvert|1235|}} (till Andheri) to {{INRConvert|1635|}} (till Borivali) to {{INRConvert|1740|}} (till Bhayander) to {{INRConvert|1970|}} (till Vasai Road) to {{INRConvert|2035|}} (till Virar).<ref>{{Cite news| url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/articleshow/65036621.cms| title=Nine more AC locals in Mumbai by next summer| first=Kamal| last=Mishra| date=18 July 2018| newspaper=The Economic Times}}</ref> New halts were introduced after commuters demand at Marine Lines, Charni Road, Grant Road, Dahisar, Mira Road, Naigaon, Nallasopara. Data shows that among all stations between Churchgate and Virar. Borivali was the highest earner for the AC train. The monthly earning of AC train is approximately {{INRConvert|7100000|}} per month after adding seven new halts.<ref>{{Cite news| url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/mumbai/seven-new-stops-add-34-lakh-to-wr-earnings-from-single-ac-local/articleshow/67248972.cms| title=Mumbai: New stops add Rs 34 lakh to WR earnings from single AC local| website=The Times of India| date=26 December 2018}}</ref> Two more AC local rakes were introduced and now, the services run all days of the week.

The fourth air-conditioned rake on Mumbai Suburban Rail Network & first for Central Railway has been commissioned on Trans-harbour line from Thane to Panvel / Vashi from 30 January 2020.<ref>[https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/mumbai/mumbai-ac-local-to-ply-on-trans-harbour-line-from-january-16-services-daily-6159150/ Mumbai AC local ply on Central Railway Route], indianexpress.com, Retrieved 22 September 2020</ref> The fifth air-conditioned rake on Mumbai Suburban Rail Network & first for Central Railway Main Line was commissioned between [[Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus|Mumbai Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus]] and [[Kalyan Junction railway station|Kalyan]] on 17 December 2020.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.timesnownews.com/mumbai/article/central-railway-starts-10-ac-locals-to-decongest-rush-hours-check-timetable-here/695758|title = Central Railway starts 10 AC locals, check timetable here; revised timings of 8 suburban services given here &#124; Mumbai News Updates}}</ref> After a gap of 3 years, the first 12-coach fully-vestibuled AC Local Train made by Medha was commissioned on Western Railway on 19 December 2022. This has 8xxx series numbering. Under the MUTP-III and MUTP-IIIA project, Western Railway has decided to procure more AC local trains and convert the entire fleet into AC akin to Kolkata Metro. In 2023, a new Medha rake with 71xx series numbering was introduced in Western Railway. All BHEL Made AC Local Trains in both the networks have 70xx series numbering.

==Network==
[[File:Heatmap of Mumbai Local Train & Station Density.jpeg|thumb|400x400px|Heatmap of Mumbai Local Train & Station Density, taking into account the proximity of stations and the frequency of trains. Density scale: Dark red (highest) to light yellow (lowest).{{pb}}<!--paragraph break
-->[[South Mumbai]] has the highest density (dark red) as it is serviced by 3 railway lines (Western, Central & Harbour) in a narrow land area. Away from the South Mumbai, one can see densities decreasing to yellow-orange – the neighbourhoods within the city limits and those beyond it are serviced by only one railway line. Frequency reduces drastically in remote suburbs beyond Kalyan (light yellow zone).]]

{{Main|List of Mumbai Suburban Railway stations}}
The Mumbai Suburban Railway system is operated by [[Indian Railways]] two zonal divisions [[Western Railways]] (WR) and [[Central Railways]] (CR). The fast [[commuter rail]] corridors on Central Railway as well as Western Railway are shared with long-distance and freight trains, while inner suburban services operate on exclusive parallel tracks. WR operates the Western Line and CR operates the Central Line, Harbour Line, Trans-Harbour Line, Vasai Road–Roha Line, [[Matheran Hill Railway|Neral–Matheran Line]] and Panvel–Karjat line.

===Central Line===
{{Main|Central line (Mumbai Suburban Railway)}}
The Central Line of Mumbai Suburban railway is operated by the [[Central Railway zone]] of India, which is the 8th zone of [[Indian Railways]][[File:Mumbai 03-2016 78 Dadar station.jpg|right|thumb|A train at {{stnlnk|Dadar}}]]
The Central Line in Mumbai consists of three major corridors, which bifurcate as they run into suburban satellite towns.
Two corridors (one local and the other through) of the Central Railway run from [[Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus]] (CSMT) to {{stnlnk|Kalyan Junction}} ({{Cvt|53|km}}), where it bifurcates into two lines – one to {{stnlnk|Kasara}} ({{Cvt|67|km}}) in the north-east and the other to {{stnlnk|Khopoli}} ({{Cvt|61|km}}) in the south-east. These two corridors constitute the 'Main' Central Line. There is also a {{Cvt|36|km}} corridor between {{stnlnk|Kurla}} and {{stnlnk|Kalyan Junction}} stations for exclusive use by outstation and cargo trains.

The Central Line has two interchange stations with the Western Line, at {{stnlnk|Parel}} and {{stnlnk|Dadar}} and the Harbour line at {{stnlnk|Sandhurst Road}} and {{stnlnk|Kurla}}. Rolling stock consists of a fleet of AC and alternating current new Bombardier and Siemens EMUs. The major car sheds on this line are at {{stnlnk|Kurla}} and {{stnlnk|Kalwa}}. There are both fast and slow locals. Slow locals halt at every station, while fast locals' halts vary between {{stnlnk|Byculla}}, {{stnlnk|Dadar}}, {{stnlnk|Kurla}}, {{stnlnk|Ghatkopar}}, {{stnlnk|Vikhroli}}, {{stnlnk|Bhandup}}, {{stnlnk|Mulund}}, {{stnlnk|Thane}}, {{stnlnk|Diva Junction}}, {{stnlnk|Dombivli}} and {{stnlnk|Kalyan Junction}}. All trains traveling beyond Kalyan run as slow trains and stop at every station.

===Western Line===
{{Main|Western line (Mumbai Suburban Railway)}}

[[File:Mumbai 03-2016 86 Grant Road station.jpg|right|thumb|A train at {{stnlnk|Grant Road}}]]
The Western Line follows the Western Railway northwards from {{stnlnk|Churchgate}} parallel to the west coast. Local services by [[electric multiple unit]]s (EMUs) ply between {{stnlnk|Churchgate}} and {{stnlnk|Dahanu Road}} ({{Cvt|124|km}}) on exclusive parallel tracks up to {{stnlnk|Virar}} ({{Cvt|60|km}}) while [[MEMU]]s service the section beyond Virar to Dahanu Road ({{Cvt|64|km}}). On 16 April 2013 EMU has extended up to {{stnlnk|Dahanu Road}}. MEMUs also operate between Dahanu Road and {{stnlnk|Panvel}} via a branch line from {{stnlnk|Diva Junction}}–{{stnlnk|Vasai Road}}. There are EMU car sheds at {{stnlnk|Mumbai Central}}, {{stnlnk|Kandivli}} and {{stnlnk|Virar}}. The largest EMU car shed in Asia is located at Virar. A repair shop for EMUs is situated at {{stnlnk|Mahalaxmi}}.

Western Railway's EMU fleet consists of EMUs completely powered by [[alternating current]] (25 kV) power. Rolling stock consists of a fleet of AC and alternating current new Bombardier EMUs. EMUs are 12 car or 15 car formations and are differentiated as slow and fast locals. Slow trains halt at all stations, while fast ones halt at {{stnlnk|Mumbai Central}}, {{stnlnk|Dadar}}, {{stnlnk|Bandra}}, {{stnlnk|Andheri}}, {{stnlnk|Borivali}}, {{stnlnk|Bhayandar}}, {{stnlnk|Vasai Road}} and {{stnlnk|Virar}} stations which are preferable over longer distances.<ref>[https://wr.indianrailways.gov.in/view_section.jsp?fontColor=black&backgroundColor=LIGHTSTEELBLUE&lang=0&id=0,6,629,631 Western Suburban Line Information], ''Western Railway'', Retrieved 22 September 2020</ref>

===Harbour Line===
{{Main|Harbour line (Mumbai Suburban Railway)}}

[[File:Mumbai 03-2016 59 Dockyard Road station.jpg|right|thumb|A train at {{stnlnk|Dockyard Road}}]]
The Harbour Line is part of the Central Railway, and runs from [[Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus]] (CSMT) to {{stnlnk|Goregaon}} and {{stnlnk|Panvel}}. All Harbour Line services operate as slow services. The line operates from two separate platforms at CSMT and the tracks cross over the mainline at {{stnlnk|Sandhurst Road}} to head towards stations along Mumbai's Eastern dock area. A branch line from {{stnlnk|Wadala Road}} joins the Western Line at {{stnlnk|Mahim Junction}} and continues towards {{stnlnk|Goregaon}}. Further construction is ongoing to extend the Western Line branch to {{stnlnk|Borivali}}.

The Harbour Line has an interchange station with the mainline at {{stnlnk|Kurla}}, where it turns east towards [[Navi Mumbai]]. The Harbour Line further bifurcates at {{stnlnk|Vashi}} into two lines – one rejoins the main lines at {{stnlnk|Thane}}, while the other continues to {{stnlnk|Panvel}}. The shed for these trains is in {{stnlnk|Sanpada}}. A partial section of the Harbour Line is [[elevated railway|elevated]] from {{stnlnk|Sandhurst Road}} to {{stnlnk|Cotton Green}}.<ref>[https://cr.indianrailways.gov.in/view_section.jsp?lang=0&id=0,6,1191,1192,1394,1397 System Map], ''Central Railway'', Retrieved 22 September 2020</ref>

===Trans-Harbour Line===
{{Main|Trans-Harbour line (Mumbai Suburban Railway)}}

The Trans-Harbour Line which is another part of Central Railway connects [[Navi Mumbai]] and [[Thane]]. It operates from two separate platforms at {{stnlnk|Thane}} to {{stnlnk|Nerul}}, where it joins the Harbour line till {{stnlnk|Panvel}} and a small branch line from {{stnlnk|Turbhe}} goes to {{stnlnk|Vashi}} as it runs parallel with the Harbour line.<ref>[https://www.freepressjournal.in/mumbai/trans-harbour-ac-train-by-private-operators-likely Trans Harbour AC train Operation], ''Free Press Journal'', Retrieved 22 September 2020</ref> All services on the trans-harbour line are all-stop services. Freight trains share the tracks through a bypass from {{stnlnk|Airoli}} to {{stnlnk|Kopar Khairane}}, after which it goes to a siding in Turbhe for the APMC market godowns.

===Vasai Road–Roha Line===
{{Main|Vasai Road–Roha line}}

The Vasai Road–Roha line is an Intersection chord rail bypass line of the Mumbai Suburban Railway which connects the Western line, Central line and Harbor line of the Western Railway zone and Central Railway zone. It runs from {{stnlnk|Vasai Road}} to {{stnlnk|Roha}} which also connects {{stnlnk|Panvel}} and the [[Konkan Railway]].<ref>[https://cr.indianrailways.gov.in/uploads/files/1518435170874-commissioning100218.pdf Milestones], ''Central Railways'', Retrieved 22 September 2020</ref> Currently this line is used for bypassing freight trains, Express and MEMU Passenger trains. And also construction of a separate Suburban Corridor on this route for more connectivity by the MRVC is going.<ref>[https://documents1.worldbank.org/curated/en/713321505803636632/pdf/ConceptProjectInformationDocumentIntegratedSafeguardsDataSheetMumbaiUrbanTransportProject3P159782SequenceNo00.pdf Data Sheet of MUTP], ''World Bank'', Retrieved 3 October 2020</ref>

===Port Line===
{{Main|Port line (Mumbai Suburban Railway)}}

The Port line, also known as the Nerul–Uran line, is another part of the Central Railway connects [[Navi Mumbai]] to [[Uran]], which is also in Navi Mumbai, but at its southwestern part. It also operates from the two separate platforms of {{stnlnk|Nerul}} and one separate platform of {{stnlnk|CBD Belapur}} to {{stnlnk|Uran}}, also making connectivity to [[Jawaharlal Nehru Port|JNPT]] in Navi Mumbai directly.<ref>[https://cidco.maharashtra.gov.in/pdf/engineering_services/EE(NUR-I)_A2work.pdf Nerul Uran Rail Line], ''CIDCO'', Retrieved 22 September 2020</ref>

===Panvel–Karjat Line===
{{Main|Panvel-Karjat Railway Corridor}}

The Panvel-Karjat Railway Corridor is an upcoming 29.6 km suburban line aimed at enhancing connectivity within the Mumbai Metropolitan Region. This corridor will include five stations: Panvel, Chikhale, Mohope, Chowk, and Karjat. As of December 2024, the project has achieved 67% completion, with full operations expected by December 2025.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-03-15 |title=First train enters Panvel-Karjat suburban corridor, marking major progress |url=https://www.mid-day.com/mumbai/mumbai-news/article/first-train-enters-new-panvel-karjat-suburban-corridor-marking-key-milestone-23499905 |access-date=2025-03-16 |website=Mid-day |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Panvel-Karjat Suburban Rail Corridor: 67% Of Mumbai Urban Transport Project Completed |url=https://www.news18.com/auto/panvel-karjat-suburban-rail-corridor-67-of-mumbai-urban-transport-project-completed-9141938.html |access-date=2025-03-16 |website=News18 |language=en}}</ref>

==Services==

Mumbai Suburban Railway services have trains with four main designations:
* '''Slow''' trains: (denoted by an '''S''') stop at every station. These are intended for daily commuters.
* '''Fast''' trains: (denoted by an '''F''') run express (skipping stops and going mainly to [[railway junction]]s) until a certain station, and from that station onward run like a slow train. These are intended for daily commuters as well as express connectivity to the rest of [[Indian Railways]] outbound trains.
*'''Air Conditioned''' trains: (denoted by an '''AC''') which are air-conditioned and can be either fast or slow.

===Travel classes===
[[File:Mumbai India Train.JPG|thumb|The interior of MRVC Siemens Rakes]]
The suburban fleet comprises 12- and 15-coach rakes. There are two main classes of travel: First Class and Second Class. The First Class fare is approximately eight times more expensive than that of Second Class, making it less crowded during non-rush hours. However, during rush hour, it can be equally or even more crowded than the general compartments, as many office employees possess a First Class transport pass provided by their employers. First Class and Senior Citizen compartments feature cushioned seating, while the other compartments typically have plastic seating. The available classes of travel are as follows:

* '''Class I''' (''first class compartment''): Commonly known as ''first class''. The coach is designated by red and yellow slant stripes. The location of the same is designated by colouring the platform walls with similar stripes. The price is generally hiked up by eight times to prevent the compartment overcrowding. The seats in this class are leather made.
* '''Class II''' (''general compartment''): Also called ''second class''. The seats in this class are plastic-made.
*'''Class I-L''' (''Ladies first class''): similar to normal First Class, reserved solely for females. Men are not allowed to travel, and may face a penalty. Some of the coaches of ladies compartments are open to general public between 23:00 and 06:00. These are indicated by a note near the doors of the compartments. The coach is designated by red and yellow slant stripes. The location of the same is designated by colouring the platform walls with similar stripes. This compartment is often adjacent to the ladies general compartment.
*'''Class II-L''' (''Ladies second class''): This compartment is reserved solely for females. Men are not allowed to travel and can face a penalty. Male children are tolerated though still not legal. Some of the coaches of ladies compartments are open to the general public between 23:00 and 06:00. These are indicated by a note near the doors of the compartments. The coach is designated by green and yellow slant stripes. The location of the same is designated by colouring the platform walls with similar stripes.
*'''Divyangjan''' (''Handicapped, Pregnant Ladies and Cancer patients'' compartment): for [[people with disabilities]] or [[cancer]]. On a platform, one can locate these by signs or by following a beeping sound indicator for the [[visually impaired]], or also by following a yellow tactile path with a walking stick. These coaches are open to all the genders. One needs a valid certificate of disability to board the compartment. Failure to do so may result in a penalty.
*'''Senior citizens''': is reserved for passengers above the age of 60. These coaches are open to all the genders. One needs a valid age proof to board the compartment. Failure to do so may result in a penalty.
*'''Luggage''': heavy goods and luggage can be transported using this compartment. These compartments are spacious and only have seats along the walls and are made to haul goods.

There are also [[women-only passenger car|women-only cars]] (termed ''ladies special''),<ref name="lonely">{{cite book| title=Lonely Planet: Goa & Mumbai| edition=6th| date=2012| publisher=[[Lonely Planet]]| page=68}}</ref> and since 1992, ''Ladies Special'' trains with the entire train seats reserved for women passengers. A semi ladies special is a train with a few (e.g., three) coaches reserved for women. These designations can be combined with ''fast'', ''slow'', etc. with terms such as ''Slow Ladies Special''.

===Air-conditioned===
The Mumbai Suburban Railways are known for their open doors and windows. This is because there is no ventilation system on the trains, and the train relies on natural air ventilation. This was introduced as a cost-saving measure, as an air-conditioning system would be rendered useless during rush hour. Leaving the doors open also allows for a fast boarding process, as the trains stop for only 10 seconds, to combat overcrowding. In 2016, the Indian Railways manufactured its first AC local train for providing better journeys in the hot and humid summer season. This rake is manufactured at the Integral Coach Factory, [[Chennai]]. It has several new facilities, such as connected vestibules and automatic doors. It runs from {{rws|Virar}} to {{rws|Churchgate}} on Western line and [[Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus]] to {{rws|Titwala}} and {{rws|Badlapur}} on Central line. AC trains include fast and slow locals and started their run from 25 December 2016 on WR and 30 January 2020 on CR.<ref>[https://www.business-standard.com/article/news-cm/first-ever-broad-gauge-air-conditioned-ac-emu-suburban-train-launched-117122600115_1.html First Ever Broad Gauge AC Local train in Mumbai Launched], ''business-standard.com'', Retrieved 22 September 2020</ref><ref>[https://mumbaimirror.indiatimes.com/mumbai/other/cr-passengers-to-finally-get-ac-local-next-month/articleshow/71947301.cms CR Passengers to Finally Get AC local in Next Month], ''Mumbai Mirror'', Retrieved 22 September 2020</ref>

===Ticketing===
[[File:AutomaticTicketVendingMachine.jpg|thumb|An Automatic Ticket Vending Machine (ATVM)]]

The Mumbai Suburban Railway uses a [[proof-of-payment]] fare collection system. Tickets can be purchased at every train station. Travelling without a valid ticket is an offence and if caught can result in a penalty. The penalty is steeper for passengers travelling in [[first class commuter travel|first class]] without a valid ticket.

Tickets can be bought for a single journey (one way) or a return journey. A return ticket is valid till the next day on weekdays and till Monday if purchased on a Friday. The ticket counters usually have long queues.

Tourist tickets are valid for one, three, or five days that can be purchased up to three days in advance.

Platform tickets are required to be purchased by those members of the public not boarding trains, but who wish to access the platforms at all stations, perhaps for the purpose of receiving or seeing off a passenger and also to use footbridges. These cost {{INRConvert|10}}. A person can be penalised for non-possession of this ticket.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.indianrailways.gov.in/railwayboard/uploads/codesmanual/CommManual-I/ComercialManualCh3_data.htm |title=ADMISSION TO PLATFORMS AND CARRIAGE OF PASSENGERS |publisher=Indian Railways |date=3 October 2012 |access-date=9 January 2014 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140314075004/http://www.indianrailways.gov.in/railwayboard/uploads/codesmanual/CommManual-I/ComercialManualCh3_data.htm |archive-date=14 March 2014 }}</ref>

[[File:Local-Train-Ticket.jpg|thumb|A 2017 Mumbai Suburban Railway ATVM ticket, from {{stnlnk|Virar}} to {{stnlnk|Churchgate}}]]
[[File:Bombay Suburban Rail Ticket.jpg|thumb|A 1981 Bombay Suburban Railway ticket from {{stnlnk|Malad}} to {{stnlnk|Vile Parle}}]]

;CVMs and ATVMs
To save time, a Coupon Booklet can be purchased and the coupons can be punched for the designated fare at Coupon Validating Machines (CVMs) at every station. The ticket fares matrix is pasted above the CVM. As of October 2012, there are approximately 575 CVMs on Mumbai Suburban Railway stations. The Central Railway network has 350 and the Western Line has 225.<ref>{{cite web| url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/India-news/Mumbai/Coupons-with-bar-codes-for-train-travel/Article1-939047.aspx |title=Coupons with bar codes for train travel |publisher=Hindustan Times |date=3 October 2012 |access-date=16 July 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121003151108/http://www.hindustantimes.com/India-news/Mumbai/Coupons-with-bar-codes-for-train-travel/Article1-939047.aspx |archive-date=3 October 2012 }}</ref>

In early 2015, the authorities decided to discontinue CVMs w.e.f 1 April 2015. This decision was taken due to extensive duplication of the coupons, and the lack of transparency. The coupons were also lacking a way to trace them.<ref>[https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/mumbai/railway-ministry-to-scrap-cvms/ Railway Ministry to Scrap CVM's], ''Indian Express'', Retrieved 22 September 2020</ref>

There are also reloadable '''Smart Cards''', and riders can use it to print tickets for themselves from an '''[[Ticket machine|Automatic Ticket Vending Machine]]''' (ATVMs). A seasonal ticket is available for regular commuters. Riders can choose the validity of these tickets from 1-month, three months to a year. Season Tickets are the most cost-effective and time-efficient option for regular commuters.<ref>[https://www.financialexpress.com/infrastructure/railways/indian-railways-festive-gift-for-passengers-get-tickets-at-the-touch-of-a-button-at-mumbai-local-stations/1747656/#:~:text=Apart%20from%20reducing%20the%20waiting,the%20busy%20Mumbai%20Suburban%20Network.&text=One%2Dtouch%20ATVM-,The%20new%20'One%2Dtouch%20ATVM'%20is%20more%20user%2D,used%20by%20Indian%20Railways%20previously. Indian Railways Introduces ATVM's in this Festive Season], ''Financial Express'', Retrieved 22 September 2020</ref>

In 2022, the ATVM added new payment methods. Initially, it has only the Railway Smart Card payment option. But with the new payment methods, ticketing has become much faster. It has two features, first one is BHIM UPI QR CODE (Pay by Paytm) and the second one is BHIM UPI QR CODE (Pay by Freecharge).{{cn|date=May 2025}}

;Mobile app
The ticket counters usually have long queues. In order to bring a solution to this problem, the UTSOnMobile app was launched by railways minister [[Suresh Prabhu]] at [[Dadar railway station]] in December 2014. This app was launched initially for [[Android (operating system)|Android]] and [[Windows Phone]], with the [[iOS]] version developed later.<ref>[https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/mumbai/soon-local-trains-to-have-paperless-tickets/ Soon Local Trains to Have Paperless Tickets], ''Indian Express'', Retrieved 22 September 2020</ref><ref>[https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/mumbai/railway-minister-suresh-prabhu-to-launch-new-mobile-app/ Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu to launch new Mobile App], ''Indian Express'', Retrieved 22 September 2020</ref>

After signing up, the user has the option to load the prepaid RWallet built in the app, using credit/debit cards, net banking, [[Immediate Payment Service|IMPS]] or private mobile-based apps. After the RWallet is loaded, the app can be used to book tickets on the entire network. Alternatively, the user may book tickets directly using credit/debit cards, net banking, IMPS, UPI, or various digital wallets such as PayTM, MobiKwik etc. for payments within the app without having to load the prepaid RWallet.<ref>[https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/industry/transportation/railways/railways-uts-app-to-buy-unreserved-tickets-now-available-nationwide/articleshow/66462674.cms?from=mdr Railways UTS App to Buy Unreserved Tickets are now available], ''Economic Times'', Retrieved 22 September 2020</ref>

Initially, the ticket booked on the app had to be printed from the ATVMs. This step was found tedious by the commuters and was criticized. Later, in July 2015, an update for the app was launched, which made e-tickets acceptable. The update also brought technical changes, like,  the tickets could be booked only within a radius of 30m to 5&nbsp;km of the origin station, and not from the platform. This move was well received by commuters, which resulted in over 50,000 downloads on the launch day.<ref>[https://www.financialexpress.com/infrastructure/railways/highest-ever-indian-railways-registers-new-record-with-over-8-33-lakh-tickets-booked-through-uts-app-on-a-day/1799595/ Indian Railways Registers New Record with over 8.33 Lakh tickets booked through UTS App], ''Financial Express'', Retrieved 22 September 2020</ref>

===Security===
The [[Railway Protection Force]] (RPF) and the [[Government Railway Police]] (GRP) are responsible for the Security of the Mumbai Suburban Railway.

The RPF is a security force under the authority of the Indian [[Ministry of Railways (India)|Ministry of Railways]] established by the Railway Protection Force Act, 1957<ref name=":0">{{cite web| url=http://www.nwr.indianrailways.gov.in/uploads/files/1331705691014-RPF_Act1957.pdf| title=Cyclopedia of Railway Protection Force| author=Security Commissariat| publisher=Western Railway| website=Indian Railways}}</ref> has the power to search, arrest, investigate and prosecute, though the ultimate power rests in the hands of the GRP.<ref>{{cite news| author=Press Trust of India |title=MoS Railways dubs Railway Protection Force as 'toothless', demands more power for it |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/industry/transportation/railways/mos-railways-dubs-railway-protection-force-as-toothless-demands-more-power-for-it/articleshow/67560323.cms |access-date=12 June 2019 |agency=economictimes.indiatimes.com}}</ref>

The GRP is the main police force established by the ''[[Railways Act, 1989]]''. The GRP's responsibility is to observe law and order on all railway property. The force is under joint-control of the Indian [[Ministry of Railways (India)|Ministry of Railways]] and the [[Maharashtra Police]]. Its duties correspond to those of the [[Law enforcement in India|District Police]] in the areas under their jurisdiction, such as [[patrolling]], but only on railway property. It also aids and provides assistance to the [[Railway Protection Force]].<ref>{{cite news| author=Press Trust of India |title=Security heightened at AP railway stations after Chennai bomb blasts |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/security-heightened-at-ap-railway-stations-after-chennai-bomb-blasts/articleshow/34474206.cms |access-date=12 June 2019 |agency=economictimes.indiatimes.com}}</ref>

==Safety issues==

===Doors===
The Mumbai Suburban Railway is known for its open doors and windows. This is because there is no ventilating system on the trains and the train relies on natural air ventilation. This was introduced as a cost-saving measure, as an air-conditioning system would be rendered useless during rush hour. Leaving the doors open also allows for a fast boarding process and turnaround time, as the trains stop for only 10 seconds, and are at most 5 minutes apart, to combat overcrowding. Passengers often end up hanging off the edge of the footboard, off door ledges, and during rush hour can lose balance and fall to their death. Teenagers and adults also attempt to perform [[stunt]]s of the doorway and door ladders, thus risking their lives. Windows also have a wired grill on them, to prevent theft and chain snatching. However, passengers frequently spit ''[[paan]]'', mava and gutka while hanging off doors, which ends up entering through the open window grilles. There are also numerous records of people tripping and falling down every day while getting on and off the train, when the train is in motion, thus resulting in injury.<ref>[https://theprint.in/india/install-automatic-doors-on-mumbai-locals-other-suburban-trains-niti-aayog-tells-railways/500390/ Install Automatic Doors on Mumbai locals, Niti Aayog tells Railways], ''theprint.in'', Retrieved 22 September 2020</ref>

===Overcrowding===
Due to its extensive reach across the [[Mumbai metropolitan area|Mumbai Metropolitan Region]], and its intensive use by the local urban population, the Mumbai Suburban Railway suffers from the most severe overcrowding in the world.<ref name="rg">{{cite web| title=Loan to relieve world's most overcrowded trains| url=http://www.railwaygazette.com/news/urban/single-view/view/loan-to-relieve-worlds-most-overcrowded-trains.html| website=Railway Gazette| access-date=7 July 2010| url-status=live| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130909024802/http://www.railwaygazette.com/news/urban/single-view/view/loan-to-relieve-worlds-most-overcrowded-trains.html| archive-date=9 September 2013| df=dmy-all}}</ref> Over 4,500 passengers are packed into a 12-car or 15-car rake during peak hours, as against the rated carrying capacity of around 2,000.<ref name=rg/> This has resulted in what is known as ''Super-Dense [[Crush load|Crush Load]]'' of 14 to 16 standing passengers per square metre of floor space.<ref>[https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/opinion/mumbai-needs-a-new-rail-network/article9909813.ece Mumbai Needs a New Rail Network], ''The Hindu Business line'', Retrieved 22 September 2020</ref>

===Fatalities===
On average, about 2,000 people are killed on the Mumbai Suburban Rail network; between 2002 and 2012, more than 36,152 people died and 36,688 people were injured.<ref>{{cite news| url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/mumbai/Mumbais-lifeline-has-claimed-36000-lives-in-10-years/articleshow/12739124.cms | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131021062619/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2012-04-20/mumbai/31373302_1_lifeline-poles-accidents | url-status=live | archive-date=21 October 2013 | work=[[The Times of India]] | title=Mumbai's lifeline has claimed 36,000 lives in 10 years | date=20 April 2012}}</ref> A record 17 people died every weekday on the city's suburban railway network in 2008.<ref name="bbc">{{cite news| url=http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/asia/article7031099.ece| title=India's rail authorities crackdown on rooftop travel to stop deaths| first=Rhys| last=Blakely| date=18 February 2010| website=The Times| access-date=20 May 2010| location=London}}{{dead link|date=September 2024|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref> Overcrowding is frequently blamed for the incidents. Another cause of death is passengers crossing the tracks on foot to avoid footbridges. Some passengers die when they sit on train roofs to avoid the crowds and are electrocuted by overhead electric cables, or fall while hanging from doors and window bars. Deaths declined in 2018. To reduce the risk of such fatalities, longer platforms, and more frequent trains are being implemented.<ref>[https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/mumbai/suburban-railway-deaths-drop-by-10/articleshow/67374028.cms Deaths Drop by 10 percent in Mumbai Local], ''timesofindia.com'', Retrieved 22 September 2020</ref>

Central Railways in association with a behaviour architecture firm deployed [[psychology]]-based interventions at the Wadala station, reducing fatalities by about 75%.<ref>{{cite news| url=http://www.boston.com/bostonglobe/ideas/articles/2011/05/08/train/?page=1| website=The Boston Globe| first=Samanth| last=Subramanian| title=Train!| date=8 May 2011| url-status=live| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111211145058/http://www.boston.com/bostonglobe/ideas/articles/2011/05/08/train/?page=1| archive-date=11 December 2011| df=dmy-all}}</ref><ref>{{cite web| url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/mumbai/Rs-50-cr-to-curb-deaths-on-tracks/articleshow/6208290.cms | archive-url=https://archive.today/20130717083703/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2010-07-24/mumbai/28296807_1_m-c-chavan-safety-measures-railway-accidents | url-status=live | archive-date=17 July 2013 |title=Rs 50 cr to curb deaths on tracks|date=24 July 2010 | website=[[The Times of India]] |access-date=16 July 2013}}</ref>

In 2010, Western Railway has pledged that its trains will stop running if "even a single person" is seen travelling on the roof.<ref>{{cite web| url=http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/world/passengers-banned-from-indian-train-roofs/story-e6frg6so-1225831662132| title=Passengers banned from Indian train roofs| website=[[The Australian]]| access-date=27 July 2013| url-status=dead| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160518042639/http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/world/passengers-banned-from-indian-train-roofs/story-e6frg6so-1225831662132| archive-date=18 May 2016}}</ref>

In mid-2011, a [[viral video]] depicted a youth performing stunts while dangling from the compartment of a [[Harbour Line (Mumbai Suburban Railway)|Harbour Line]] train.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jnm91Wj7g-Y |title=Xtreme Train Stunt – Mumbai Boys |publisher=YouTube |date=29 August 2011 |access-date=16 July 2013 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150713010448/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jnm91Wj7g-Y |archive-date=13 July 2015  }}</ref> Following this, a boy was killed while imitating the actions performed in the video.<ref>{{Cite web| url=http://ibnlive.in.com/news/mumbai-performing-stunt-on-train-kills-14yearboy/414201-3-237.html| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131207141449/http://ibnlive.in.com/news/mumbai-performing-stunt-on-train-kills-14yearboy/414201-3-237.html| url-status=dead| title=News18.com: CNN-News18 Breaking News India, Latest News Headlines, Live News Updates| archive-date=7 December 2013| website=News18}}</ref>

The Western and Central Railways have been using the Auxiliary Warning System (AWS), a type of [[Train Protection & Warning System]] (TPWS), since 1996, not dissimilar to the Automatic warning system of England.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.dnaindia.com/mumbai/report_railways-move-to-ensure-zero-mishaps_1625548 |title=Railways move to ensure zero mishaps |publisher=DNA India |date=14 December 2011 |access-date=16 July 2013 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120110122400/http://www.dnaindia.com/mumbai/report_railways-move-to-ensure-zero-mishaps_1625548 |archive-date=10 January 2012  }}</ref>

The Central Railway and Western Railway introduced a Blue Light (Virtual Gate) concept, The Blue beam light unit which will be mounted on the top of each Gate, which Guide the Commuter for Safe Boarding, avoid overcrowding and Safe clearance in the Platforms. It also helps to create a Cultural Transformation in the Behavior of the Commuter.<ref>{{Cite news| url=https://www.business-standard.com/article/current-affairs/mumbai-locals-now-have-blue-light-on-doors-to-alert-when-train-is-running-119011400064_1.html| title=Mumbai locals now have blue light on doors to alert when train is running| author=ANI| date=14 January 2019| website=Business Standard India| access-date=6 January 2020}}</ref>

===Terrorism===
The Mumbai Suburban Railway has suffered eight explosive attacks and around 368 people are believed to have died as a result.
* 12 March 1993 – [[Bomb blast]] at {{stnlnk|Reay Road}}<ref>[https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/defence/six-terror-attacks-that-shook-india/1993-bombay-blasts/slideshow/74146291.cms Six Terror Attacks that Shook India], ''Economic Times'', Retrieved 22 September 2020</ref>
* 13 March 2003 – A [[13 March 2003 Mumbai Train Bombing|bombing]] in a train in Mulund killed 20 people<ref>[https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/mumbai/how-the-2002-2003-mumbai-blasts-cases-were-cracked/article8412257.ece How 2003 Mumbai Blasts Were Cracked], ''The Hindu'',Retrieved 22 September 2020</ref><ref>[https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/mumbai/ten-convicted-in-2003-mulund-blasts-case/article8409686.ece Ten Convicted in 2003 Mulund Blasts Case], ''The Hindu'', Retrieved 22 September 2020</ref>
* 11 July 2006 – A [[11 July 2006 Mumbai Train Bombings|series of seven bombs]] in Western Railway trains killed 209 people<ref>[https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/mumbai/all-you-need-to-know-about-711/article7640887.ece Need to Know About 7/11 Mumbai Local Attacks], ''The Hindu'',Retrieved 22 September 2020</ref>
* 26 November 2008 – [[Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus]] was attacked during the [[2008 Mumbai Attacks]] killing at least 60 people<ref>[https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/defence/revisiting-the-night-of-mumbai-terror-attack-when-10-pak-terrorists-attacked-indias-financial-capital/articleshow/72235424.cms Revisiting the Night of Mumbai, When 10 Terrorists Attacked India's Financial Capital], ''Economic Times'',Retrieved 22 September 2020</ref>

===Tourism===
Tourist usage of the Mumbai Suburban Railways has seen popularity as a way to explore the day-to-day life of the city, and as such, the Central Railway has issued circulars advising tourists not to travel in the trains from 07:00 to 11:00 and 17:00 to 22:00 during weekdays because of overcrowding.<ref name="lonely"/>

==Expansion==
{{Main|Mumbai Railway Vikas Corporation}}

To enable the Mumbai Suburban Railway to meet the demands of the ever-growing passenger traffic, the federal Government of India's Ministry of Railways and the state [[Government of Maharashtra]] have jointly envisioned the constitution of a separate corporate entity to operate the system.

The [[Mumbai Railway Vikas Corporation]] (MRVC), a public sector unit of the Government of India under the Ministry of Railways, was incorporated under the (Indian) Companies Act, 1956 on 12 July 1999, with an equity capital of {{INRConvert|250|m|1}} to implement the rail component of an integrated rail-cum-road urban transport project, called [[Mumbai Urban Transport Project]] (MUTP). The cost of the rail component of the project is to be shared equally by the Ministry of Railways and the Government of Maharashtra.<ref>[https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Mamata-to-open-Mumbai-Rail-Vikas-Corp-on-April-29/articleshow/286199434.cms Mamta to Open MRVC on 29 April], ''Times of India'', Retrieved 22 September 2020</ref>

MRVC, under the [[Mumbai Urban Transport Project]]-II, has completed the Harbour Line up to [[Goregaon]].<ref>[https://www.dnaindia.com/mumbai/report-harbour-line-goregaon-extension-to-operate-from-today- Harbour line extension to operate from Today], ''DNA'', Retrieved 22 September 2020.</ref> Further extension of this line has been accepted under MUTP-III till [[Borivali]].<ref>[https://www.hindustantimes.com/mumbai-news/after-csmt-goregaon-piyush-goyal-wants-mumbai-cr-s-harbour-line-to-head-to-borivli/story-EJZvYQaSDiVExKR8vwkxTO.html Railway Miniter Wants Mumbai's Harbour line to head to Borivli], ''Hindustan Times'', Retrieved 22 September 2020</ref>

CR has constructed a {{convert|22.5|km|mi}} line linking [[Nerul]] / [[CBD Belapur]] with [[Uran]]. The line would have 10 stations.<ref>{{cite web| title=Seawoods-Uran project: CR wants carshed plot near station on route, CIDCO says difficult| url=http://indianexpress.com/article/cities/mumbai/seawoods-uran-project-cr-wants-carshed-plot-near-station-on-route-cidco-says-difficult-4523401/| website=The Indian Express| access-date=17 February 2017| language=en| date=14 February 2017| url-status=live| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170218064905/http://indianexpress.com/article/cities/mumbai/seawoods-uran-project-cr-wants-carshed-plot-near-station-on-route-cidco-says-difficult-4523401/| archive-date=18 February 2017| df=dmy-all}}</ref> This project is divided into two phases. 
* In Phase-I, Bamandongari and Kharkopar are fully operational and Targhar station is still under construction. But the construction of Sagar Sangam railway station is temporarily postponed due to completing the railway line within the time limit of October 2018 till the later phase.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/india/pmo-cidco-railway-line-project-navi-mumbai-international-airport-central-railway-4586890/|title=Seawoods-Uran railway line: CIDCO to skip construction of a station to meet deadline|website=Indian Express|access-date=8 October 2020|last=Kulkarni|first=Neha|date=27 March 2017}}</ref>
* In Phase-II, the Construction of all stations lying between Kharkopar and Uran is completed & flagged of by PM [[Narendra Modi]] on 12 January 2024.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://lokmat.news18.com/videos/video/pm-modi-nerul-uran-railway-prime-minister-modi-will-show-green-light-to-uran-khalapur-route-948945.html|title=pm modi will show green light to nerul uran railway route|website=News 18 lokmat|date=12 January 2024 }}</ref>

CR has proposed a service from {{stnlnk|Kalyan}} to {{stnlnk|Nasik Road}}, giving a boost to commuters to and from Nasik, since there are currently only three Intercity trains to Manmad (GLokmanya Tilak Terminus–Manmad Godavari Express, [[Panchvati Express]] and [[Manmad Mumbai CST Rajya Rani Express|Manmad Rajya Rani Express]]) operating from Mumbai.<ref>{{Cite web| url=https://maharashtratimes.indiatimes.com/maharashtra/thane-kokan-news/thane/kalyan-to-nashik-local-train/articleshow/56579824.cms| title=कल्याण-नाशिक लोकलप्रवास टप्प्यात| date=16 January 2017| website=Maharashtra Times}}</ref> This distance is 132&nbsp;km regular, meeting the Indian Railways criteria for EMU services CR has announced that it will carry out trial runs, however it has difficulty due to the [[Thal Ghat|Kasara Ghat]] tunnels.<ref>{{cite web| url=https://www.mumbailive.com/en/transport/central-railway-to-conduct-nashik-kalyan-local-train-test-within-15-days-30406| title=Nashik–Mumbai local train test run to begin in 15 days| website=Mumbai Live| date=19 November 2018}}</ref>

==In popular culture==

===Film===
The Mumbai Suburban Railway has regularly been used for film shoots. Some movies that have used the Mumbai Suburban Railway for filming are:

{{Dynamic list}}
* ''[[Ghulam (1998 film)|Ghulam]]''
* ''[[Slumdog Millionaire]]''
* ''[[Agneepath (2012 film)|Agneepath]]''
* ''[[Wanted (2009 film)|Wanted]]''
* ''[[Gangs of Wasseypur]]''
* ''[[Life in a Metro]]''
* ''[[Ghanchakkar (film)|Ghanchakkar]]''
* ''[[O Kadhal Kanmani]]''
* ''[[Once Upon a Time in Mumbai Again]]''
* ''[[Rajjo]]''
* ''[[RaOne]]''
* ''[[Thalaivaa]]''
* ''[[Dombivli Fast]]''
* ''[[Balkadu]]''
* ''[[Mumbai Meri Jaan]]''
* ''[[The Train (2011 film)|The Train]]''
* ''[[Yeh Jawani Hai Deewani]]''
* ''[[Saathiya (film)|Saathiya]]''
* ''[[Zombivli]]''<ref>{{cite web| first=Bharati| last=Dubey| url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/mumbai/Bollywood-shoots-boost-Western-Railways-coffers-by-Rs-1-5-crore/articleshow/19012124.cms | archive-url=https://archive.today/20130411041300/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2013-03-17/mumbai/37786711_1_railway-stations-railway-platforms-trains-and-railway | url-status=live | archive-date=11 April 2013 |title=Bollywood shoots boost Western Railways' coffers by Rs 1.5 crore|date=17 March 2013 | website=[[The Times of India]]|access-date=16 July 2013}}</ref>
* ''[[Baaton Baaton Mein]]''
* ''[[Badlapur (film)|Badlapur]]''
* ''[[Ek Chalis Ki Last Local]]''
* ''[[Taxi No. 9211]]''

==Network map==
{{Rapid transit OSM map
| frame-lat    = 19.167
| frame-long   = 73.083
| frame-width  = 650
| frame-height = 450
| zoom         = 9
}}

==See also==
*[[Urban rail transit in India]]
*[[Mumbai Metro]]
*[[Mumbai Monorail]]
*[[Salsette–Trombay Railway]]
*[[Hyderabad Multi-Modal Transport System]]
*[[List of Mumbai Suburban Railway stations]]
*[[11 July 2006 Mumbai train bombings]]
*[[M-Indicator]]

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
* {{commons category-inline|Mumbai Suburban Railway}}
* [https://mrvc.indianrailways.gov.in/ Mumbai Rail Vikas Corporation] Mumbai Rail Vikas Corporation

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[[Category:Mumbai Suburban Railway| ]]
[[Category:Transport in Navi Mumbai]]
[[Category:Suburban rail in India]]
[[Category:1853 establishments in British India]]
[[Category:Indian companies established in 1853]]
[[Category:Railway companies established in 1853]]
[[Category:25 kV AC railway electrification]]