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The Mumbai Suburban Railway System is an important public transport system of the city. More than 6.9 million commuters use the services of this system every day on a daily basis. It has the highest density of passengers in any urban railway system around the globe. These trains are better known as the local trains.

The Mumbai Suburban Railway and the Indian Railways, were built by the British in India in 1853. This is the most old railway system in Asian Continent. The first train which started ran between the Mumbai and Thane station and covered the distance of 34 km.

Facilities
The sub urban railway is spread over 464 kms, and operates on 1500 V DC / 25000 V AC power supply. These trains are run by electric multiple units (EMUs).

Zones and corridors
There are 2 zonal Railways, the Western Railway and the Central Railway.

Western line
The 2 corridors on Western Railway run towards north from Churchgate terminus and move parallel to the west coast. These corridors are known as 'Western Line' by the local people.

Central line
The Central Line comprises of 3 main or corridors, which are further bifurcated. The 2 corridors on Central Railway run from Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (CST) to Kalyan and the other runs up to Khopoli in the south-east. These 2 corridors consist of the 'Main' Line. There is also the availability of fast and slow locals here for suburban service.

Harbour line
The Harbour line is also one of the part of the Central Railway, and here a train runs from Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus to Andheri, Panvel and Thane. All the services at harbour line are slow services. This line is operational from 2 distinct platforms at Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus. The Harbour line divides at Vashi into 2 lines ' one joins the main line at Thane, while the other line continues further. The elevation of large section of harbour line is being done.

For Tourists
The tourists must avoid boarding the train during the weekdays or at least during the peak hours when these trains are overcrowded. The most appropriate day to enjoy these trains is on Sundays as the crowd is quiet less comparatively. The travelers can then visit the various places of Mumbai by the Mumbai Locals and enjoy the sight scenes of the Economic Capital of India. During the week days one must be careful from getting into the express trains or 'fast trains' especially the one which are going to Virar.