The non-AC double-decker coaches of the Mumbai Central-Valsad Fast Passenger train (09023/24) have become history. After reaching the end of their codal life, the non-AC double-decker coaches of the Mumbai Central-Valsad Passenger were replaced by conventional ICF rakes on 5th January
The train, which was previously operated with an 18-coach rake, will now run with 22 ICF coaches. This change aims to accommodate passengers from the outgoing double-decker coaches, which have been a distinctive feature of Mumbai’s train services,” said an official.
“Each double-decker coach had a seating capacity of 136 passengers, with the total reaching 250–260 when including standing passengers in the corridors and near the doors. The ICF general coaches, while officially seating around 100 passengers, provide an additional 60 seats via upper berths, bringing the total seated capacity to 160. When factoring in standing passengers, the total capacity of an ICF coach is also approximately 250,” the official added.
To ensure there is no reduction in capacity, four additional coaches have been added to the rake, increasing its length from 18 to 22 coaches.
Apart from the change in the rake of the Mumbai-Valsad Passenger train, the rakes of four pairs of trains, including the Mumbai Central-Vapi Passenger, Bandra Terminus-Udhana Fast Passenger, and Valsad-Virar Passenger trains, have been merged.
These trains will now run with revised timings, adjustments in halts (addition/deletion), and changes in originating/destination stations.
“Due to this integration of rake links, there have been changes in the terminals and timings at originating/terminating stations, along with revisions in halts, including the skipping and addition of stops for some trains. It is worth mentioning that all the above trains will run as fully unreserved,” said an official.
Now train number 59045 Mumbai Central-Vapi Passenger train will start originating from Mumbai Central (MMCT) instead of Bandra Terminus (BDTS) at a revised time of 9:55 AM and will reach Vapi at 1:30 PM. Halts at Andheri, Bhayander, Vasai Road, Vaitarna, Kelve Road, Vangaon, Bordi Road, and Karambeli for this train have been eliminated for operational reasons.
In addition, Train No. 09055 Bandra Terminus-Udhna Superfast Special train will now run as per the revised schedule, departing from Bandra Terminus at 9:00 AM and reaching Udhna at 3:05 PM. To accommodate passengers of the Mumbai Central-Vapi Passenger train, halts at Andheri, Bhayander, Vasai Road, Vaitarna, Kelve Road, Vangaon, Bordi Road, and Karambeli have been provided for this train.
Similarly, Train No. 59046 Valsad-Virar Passenger will now terminate at Virar instead of Bandra Terminus. This decision has been already implemented form Sunday. Now this train will also skip halts at Atul, Pardi, Udvada, Karambeli, Bhilad, Sanjan, Umbargam Road, Bordi Road, Gholvad, Dahanu Road, Vangaon, Kelve Road, and Vaitarna stations.
Additionally, Train No. 09056 Udhna-Bandra Terminus Superfast Special train will depart at its revised time of 3:45 PM and reach Bandra Terminus at 9:35 PM starting January 7.
To accommodate passengers of the Valsad-Virar Passenger train, additional halts at Atul, Pardi, Udvada, Karambeli, Bhilad, Sanjan, Umbargam Road, Bordi Road, Gholvad, Dahanu Road, Vangaon, Palghar, Kelve Road, Saphale, Vaitarna, Vasai Road, and Andheri stations will be provided for this train.
Train No. 59040 Vapi-Virar Passenger is now extended up to Mumbai Central instead of Virar, effective from January 5, 2025. This train will also have an additional halt at Borivali.
