300 New Mumbai Local Train Services to Ease Overcrowding
In an effort to tackle overcrowding and improve operational efficiency, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced plans to introduce 300 additional local train services in Mumbai. The new services, which will be rolled out in phases, will be in addition to the existing 3,000 daily services. This move is part of a broader strategy to address the growing demand for local train services in Mumbai, which remains one of the busiest urban rail networks in the world.
The railway department’s initiative will also reduce the time gap between two moving trains, from the current 180 seconds to 150 seconds, with the ultimate goal of narrowing it further to just 120 seconds. This reduction is expected to significantly improve the flow of trains and reduce congestion, enhancing the daily commute for millions of passengers. As part of this initiative, approximately 300 km of new tracks will be laid across Mumbai to support the increase in services. In addition, the introduction of new design trains with enhanced features is on the horizon. These upgraded trains will be equipped with better acceleration and improved ventilation systems, ensuring that passengers enjoy more comfort during their journey. The new trains will also include advanced suspension systems to further enhance the overall travel experience.
Vaishnaw also shared details about the ongoing infrastructure projects aimed at modernising Mumbai’s suburban railway system. Railway projects worth Rs 16,400 crore are at various stages of completion, with upgrades planned for both the Central and Western Railway networks. These projects are designed to increase the capacity and efficiency of the network, allowing for the smooth introduction of additional services.
Moreover, Mumbai’s suburban railway system is set to benefit from a significant increase in funding. The Union Budget 2025-26 has allocated a record ₹23,778 crore for railway projects in Maharashtra—20 times higher than the allocations during the previous UPA government. This massive funding boost is part of a tripartite agreement between the state government, central government, and the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to ensure that railway infrastructure projects receive the necessary financial support and are completed on schedule. With these developments, Mumbai’s suburban train system is poised for significant improvements that will not only alleviate overcrowding but also provide a more comfortable and efficient mode of transportation for the city’s commuters.
