1860s to 2025: Mumbai’s iconic non-AC double-decker passenger train coaches set to retire on Jan 4

Mumbai's iconic non-AC double-decker train coaches will retire on January 4, 2025, marking the end of an era in the city's railway history. The double-decker coaches, which have long been a staple of the Mumbai Central-Valsad Fast Passenger route (‘09023-24’), will be replaced with conventional ICF rakes starting January 5, 2025.

These double-decker coaches, introduced in the 1860s by the Western Railway (formerly Bombay, Baroda, and Central India Railway), were originally designed to accommodate the growing number of commuters.

The transition comes as the double-decker coaches reach the end of their codal life, sparking a modernisation effort. The existing 18-coach double-decker setup will be replaced with a 22-coach ICF rake. While the design differs, the new rakes will offer a similar passenger capacity through a combination of regular seating and upper berths.

The double-decker coaches were designed to seat 136 passengers per coach, with additional standing passengers in the corridors, resulting in around 250-260 passengers per coach. The ICF rakes will offer 160 seats per coach, along with standing space, maintaining a similar overall capacity.

Passenger associations are recommending the replacement of the double-deckers with LHB general coaches to ensure no loss in capacity. To accommodate the heavy passenger load, the new configuration could include additional coaches.

To honour the legacy of the double-deckers, Western Railway is also exploring the idea of converting these retired coaches into "restaurants on wheels". This will offer a unique dining experience while preserving a piece of Mumbai’s railway history.