The existing railway system in Mumbai is reliable and will be upgraded with modern technology and stronger infrastructure, Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said. Around ₹18,000 crore worth of projects are currently underway to increase the capacity of the Mumbai suburban railway network.
Speaking at the inauguration of the Mumbai–Sawantwadi Express at Platform No. 18 of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT), Vaishnaw said the Railways aims to increase the number of daily suburban local train services from the current 3,200 to around 3,500 by 2030.
Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde flagged off the Mumbai–Sawantwadi Express. Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal and Vaishnaw attended the event through video conferencing. Maharashtra Assembly Speaker Advocate Rahul Narwekar, Fisheries and Ports Minister Nitesh Rane, Mayor Ritu Tawde and senior railway officials were also present.
Vaishnaw said several projects have been taken up as part of a comprehensive plan to expand Mumbai’s railway infrastructure. At Jogeshwari, five new platforms and two pit lines are being developed. Dadar will get an additional platform, while the Vasai Road area will see the construction of six platforms, three pit lines and five stabling lines.
At Lokmanya Tilak Terminus, four new platforms and two pit lines will be developed. Several existing platforms will also be extended to accommodate 15-coach suburban trains.
Keeping in mind the rising number of passengers, the Railways is operating 350 special trains this year. The railway administration has also made preparations to operate 20 additional special trains if required.
Vaishnaw said ensuring safe, convenient and comfortable travel for passengers remains the Railways’ top priority.
As part of efforts to improve passenger safety, it has also been decided that all suburban local trains should eventually be equipped with automatic doors. The Railway Board has placed an order for 238 air-conditioned local train rakes.
The manufacturing of these AC local train rakes will involve coordination between the Modern Coach Factory and the Rail Coach Factory. Vaishnaw said the first new AC local train is expected to be available in 2027, with all 238 rakes planned to be manufactured and supplied by 2030.
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