During a recent journey across Mumbai’s Red Line (Line 7) and Yellow Line (Line 2A) — part of the city’s expanding metro network — I discovered something remarkable about the trains operating on these routes. Built by BEML Ltd., one of India’s leading rail and metro manufacturers, (Bharat Earth Movers’ Limited) these trains feature amenities and design choices that set them apart from every other metro service in Mumbai.

It is a basic feature, but of the other metro trains — the Alstom ones on Aqua Line 3 and the decade-old China Railway Rolling Stock Corporation (CRRC) coaches on Blue Line 1 — lack.

In a city known for its energy, pace, and ever-growing commuter population, these BEML-made metro trains have introduced innovations that no other metro trains in Mumbai currently offer — and which could serve as a model for urban transport systems elsewhere.

1. Mobile Phone Charging Points — A First for Mumbai
These trains are the only ones in Mumbai’s entire metro system to provide mobile charging points for passengers. In an age when staying connected is essential, this feature transforms the commuting experience — allowing riders to charge their devices while traveling. Despite Mumbai’s multiple metro lines, none of the others have yet adopted this convenience.

2. Bicycle Stands — Enabling Sustainable Multimodal Travel
Perhaps even more forward-thinking is the inclusion of dedicated bicycle stands inside the trains — a first for Mumbai and a rare feature globally. By allowing commuters to bring their bicycles aboard, BEML’s design encourages eco-friendly, multimodal commuting, bridging the crucial “first and last mile” between metro stations and home or work.

3. Warm Amber Lighting — Comfort with Character
Unlike most metro systems that use bright white fluorescent lights, the interiors of these BEML trains are lit with warm amber lighting. The result is a soft, welcoming atmosphere that’s easy on the eyes and visually distinct. It gives the trains an unexpectedly cozy, almost boutique-like charm — a refreshing departure from the sterile feel of typical urban transit.

Redefining the Urban Transit Experience
Mumbai, India’s financial capital, is rapidly building one of the largest metro networks in the world. Yet amid this expansion, the BEML-built trains on Lines 2A and 7 stand out for prioritizing not just efficiency, but also comfort, sustainability, and thoughtful design.
These features — mobile charging points, bicycle stands, and warm-toned interiors — might seem small individually, but together they represent a new kind of commuter experience: one that’s modern, inclusive, and human-centered.

In a world where cities are rethinking how people move, Mumbai’s BEML metro trains quietly demonstrate how attention to design can make public transport not just practical — but genuinely enjoyable.