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Indian Railways to trial first 18-coach local train on Mumbai route
Indian Railways will conduct trial runs of 18-coach suburban trains on the Virar–Dahanu corridor on January 14–15, testing safety and performance parameters as part of long-term plans to ease overcrowding in Mumbai locals.
A significant development is emerging from Mumbai where Indian Railways is set to conduct trial runs of its first 18-coach suburban local trains.
Western Railway plans to conduct these tests on the Virar-Dahanu Road corridor on January 14 and 15. This move is considered a crucial step towards increasing capacity on Mumbai’s congested suburban rail network.
The trials will evaluate essential safety and performance parameters including emergency braking distance (EBD) and coupler force measurements.
These are necessary before approving longer trains for passenger service.
Railway officials have clarified that these tests are purely technical and do not indicate the immediate introduction of 18-coach local trains in Mumbai.
Two different 18-coach EMU configurations will be tested during the trials. A rake manufactured by Bombardier will be tested at speeds up to 110 kmph while a rake manufactured by Medha Electricals will be tested at a maximum speed of 105 kmph.
The Virar-Dahanu stretch was chosen because it allows for higher speeds with minimal operational disruptions.
Officials clarified that the coaches will be properly upgraded to meet stability, speed and oscillation requirements before the testing begins.
A senior Western Railway official stated that the final configuration of the trains is still under consideration and no decision has been made yet regarding the operation of 18-car local trains for passengers.
These trials are part of long-term planning under the future phases of the Mumbai Urban Transport Project (MUTP). Not only that Indian Railways has proposed to procure 2,856 suburban coaches at an estimated cost of approximately Rs 21,000 crore.
This proposal is primarily for building 238 air-conditioned local trains each with 12 coaches. These trains can later be extended to 15 or 18 coaches after infrastructure upgrades such as platform extensions signaling modernization and track strengthening are completed.
Officials said that the trial results will play a crucial role in determining Mumbai’s future suburban rail capacity, especially on the Western Railway corridor, which experiences severe overcrowding during peak hours.
Also Read: India’s First Bullet Train Likely to Start by August 15, 2027, Says Ashwini Vaishnaw
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India Seizes 3 US-Sanctioned Oil Tankers Near Mumbai Over Suspected Iran-Linked Transfers
India has reportedly seized three US-sanctioned oil tankers — Stellar Ruby, Asphalt Star and Al Jafzia — off the Mumbai coast after detecting suspicious ship-to-ship transfers within its EEZ. The move comes amid a wider crackdown on illegal maritime oil trade and sanctions evasion linked to Iran.
According to sources familiar with the matter, India has seized three oil tankers: Stellar Ruby, Asphalt Star and Al Jafzia.
These were sanctioned by the US and suspected of having links to Iran.
This incident comes amid a major crackdown on illegal maritime oil trade.
Interceptions off the Mumbai Coast
Indian authorities reportedly intercepted three vessels in February 2026, approximately 100 nautical miles west of Mumbai after detecting suspicious ship-to-ship transfer activity within India’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).
These operations are believed to have been used to conceal the origin of the oil cargo and evade coastal law enforcement.
It’s worth noting that security sources told Reuters that the tankers frequently changed their identities to avoid detection.
This tactic is often employed by ships seeking to evade sanctions. It’s reported that these ships are owned by foreign entities making surveillance difficult.
International Sanctions and Oil Smuggling Concerns
Surprisingly last year, the US Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) banned ships named Global Peace, Chill 1, and Glory Star 1.
These ships reportedly have the same IMO numbers as the ships now seized by India. Shipping data shows that the Al Jafzia transported Iranian fuel oil to Djibouti in 2025.
The Stellar Ruby flew an Iranian flag. However the National Iranian Oil Company (NIOC) denies any connection between the tankers, their cargo and its operations.
According to shipping intelligence, the Asphalt Star was mostly active in routes around China, revealing global movement patterns of such vessels.
Surveillance Efforts Stepped Up
In response to these incidents the Indian Coast Guard has significantly increased its maritime surveillance.
Approximately 55 ships and 10-12 aircraft have been deployed to monitor activities in Indian waters and prevent future illegal activities.
Officials say this move demonstrates India’s determination to keep its waters free from illegal oil trade and unauthorized ship-to-ship transfers. This could undermine international sanctions regimes and complicate enforcement efforts.
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Mumbai Silver Rates Update February 17, 2026
Silver Rates in Mumbai Today
Silver price for 10 grams in Mumbai is Rs 2,679. For 100 grams, it is Rs 26,790. If you want 1 kg of silver, the rate is Rs 2,67,900.
Silver is more affordable than gold and many people in Mumbai buy it for small savings, gifts, or household use. People often buy silver coins or small bars during festivals like Diwali and Akshaya Tritiya. Silver is also used in jewellery, but not as much as gold. Some families buy silver utensils for special occasions.
Rates change every day. Bank rates, shop rates, and online rates may not always match. Check with your local jeweller before buying. In Mumbai, silver usually costs a bit more than in smaller towns, mostly because of higher taxes and making charges. Transport and demand also play a small part.
There is no GST on old silver you sell, but new silver jewellery has 3% GST. If you buy silver in a shop, ask for the receipt. It helps if you want to sell it later.
Don’t expect to make quick profit from silver. Prices move slowly and sometimes even go down for weeks. Silver is good for long-term savings, not for daily trading. If you buy big amounts, store them safely. Silver can get black stains if not kept in dry place.
Most people in Mumbai still buy silver the traditional way—from stores or trusted jewellers. Some try online, but not everyone is comfortable. Always check the current rate before you buy, as it keeps changing.
That’s the simple truth about silver rates in Mumbai today.
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Mumbai Gold Rates Update February 17, 2026
Gold rates in Mumbai today are: Gold 24k: Rs 1,56,430 for 10 grams. Gold 22k: Rs1,43,390 for 10 grams. Gold 18k: Rs 1,17,320 for 10 grams.
These prices keep changing throughout the day. Shops in Zaveri Bazaar, one of Mumbai’s oldest gold markets, usually follow these prices. You’ll find that actual charges can be a bit different in each shop because of making charges, GST, or small fees.
In Mumbai, a lot of people buy gold for weddings, festivals, and investments. It is easy to check gold rates online or by asking in jewellery markets. Most families still prefer to check rates themselves before buying, especially during big festivals like Diwali and Akshaya Tritiya. Sometimes, prices go up if demand is high because Mumbai is a big centre for the gold trade.
Gold rates in Mumbai mostly depend on international market prices and the Indian Rupee’s value. If the rupee becomes weak, gold becomes more expensive. If there is some international issue, gold prices go up quickly. Many sellers in Mumbai update their rates two or three times every day.
If you are buying gold, always check for hallmarks. This shows the gold is pure. 24k gold is purest, but it is soft, so people often buy 22k for jewellery. 18k gold is usually used for modern styles or lightweight ornaments.
Prices might look high now. But many people in Mumbai still choose to invest in gold for safety. Always check the latest price before deciding. And, ask for a bill for every purchase. This helps if you want to sell or exchange the gold later.
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