Major Railway Upgrades in Mumbai with INR 17,107 Crore Budget
In an ambitious bid to enhance Mumbai’s railway infrastructure, the Indian government has committed to a staggering INR 17,107 crore investment for key railway upgradation projects across the city. This monumental initiative is part of a broader effort in Maharashtra, with a record budget allocation of INR 23,778 crore for the 2025-26 financial year. This figure represents a 20-fold increase compared to the annual average of INR 1,171 crore allocated between 2009-14, underlining the government’s dedication to transforming the region’s transport network.
Addressing the media through a video conference, Ashwini Vaishnaw, Minister of Railways, highlighted the key role Maharashtra is playing in the national railway upgradation strategy. In a unique partnership model, a tripartite agreement between the Indian Railways, the Maharashtra state government, and the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) will streamline project funding and expedite execution. This collaboration aims to tackle the growing demand for enhanced connectivity and better facilities in the state’s bustling metropolitan areas, particularly Mumbai. Among the most prominent projects currently under execution are the expansion and capacity enhancements of Mumbai’s rail corridors. This includes crucial projects such as the construction of the 5th and 6th lines between CSMT and Kurla, the Panvel-Karjat double-line suburban corridor, and the Airoli-Kalwa elevated corridor. These initiatives aim to bolster suburban connectivity, alleviate congestion, and improve the overall efficiency of the city’s rail system.
Additionally, several key railway stations like CSMT, Parel, LTT, Kalyan, and Panvel will undergo capacity enhancements to accommodate the growing number of commuters. The ongoing redevelopment work under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme will also see the upgrade of 132 stations across Maharashtra, with Mumbai benefiting significantly from these improvements. In terms of safety, INR 1,16,000 crore has been allocated to strengthen safety measures across the network. The introduction of advanced safety systems such as Kavach 4.0, an automated train collision avoidance system, is being rapidly deployed across the Indian Railways, with Central Railway’s broad gauge tracks set to be fully equipped with Kavach technology.
On the high-speed rail front, the development of a 340 km track is already completed, with work progressing swiftly on the undersea tunnel and BKC station. Furthermore, 50 Namo Bharat trains, 100 Amrit Bharat trains, and 200 Vande Bharat trains are scheduled to be manufactured within the current fiscal year, further elevating the level of connectivity and service on Indian Railways.In a bid to enhance user experience, the Indian Railways has also launched a Super App, integrating various railway apps, which is currently available in beta on Google Play Store. These efforts mark a new era of growth for Mumbai’s railway infrastructure, aiming to better serve its ever-expanding population and meet the demands of a rapidly modernising city.
