Mumbai Locals Get 10% More Services Soon
In a significant development for Mumbai’s suburban commuters, the Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced that the frequency of local trains will soon improve dramatically, reducing the gap between trains to as little as two minutes. This major upgrade was revealed during the presentation of the Union Budget on 3 February 2025, signalling the government’s commitment to enhancing urban mobility in one of the world’s busiest suburban networks.
Currently, Mumbai’s local trains operate at an interval of around 180 seconds (3 minutes). Under the new plan, this gap will be reduced to 150 seconds in the first phase, with the ultimate goal of achieving a 120-second (2-minute) interval once the project is fully implemented. To accommodate this increased frequency, the number of daily services on the Central Railway (CR) and Western Railway (WR) networks will rise by 10%. At present, approximately 3,000 suburban trains operate daily, serving over 75 lakh commuters. This boost is expected to significantly ease overcrowding, a persistent issue in Mumbai’s lifeline transport system.
In tandem with the frequency upgrade, Indian Railways is focusing on enhancing passenger comfort. Plans include introducing advanced ventilation and air-conditioning systems, similar to the HVAC technology used in Vande Bharat trains, which ensure 99.99% bacteria-free oxygen circulation. Additionally, the design of train bogies is set for a revamp to provide a smoother and more stable ride, although a timeline for this upgrade is yet to be finalised. These improvements are likely to be integrated into the Mumbai Urban Transport Project (MUTP) Phases 3 and 3A, which aim to introduce 238 new AC rakes. However, political and administrative delays have slowed the implementation of these projects.
To support these capacity expansions, infrastructure upgrades are underway at nine key train terminals, including the addition of new terminals, tracks, and extensions. A funding agreement between Indian Railways, the Maharashtra Government, and the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has been established, with the RBI set to cover the state’s share of investments. Despite these ambitious plans, concerns remain. Nandkumar Deshmukh, President of the Federation of Suburban Rail Passenger Associations, emphasised that many existing railway projects are lagging. He cautioned that efforts to reduce train headways should be preceded by the timely completion of ongoing infrastructure projects to ensure safety and efficiency. As Mumbai’s suburban network gears up for this transformative shift, the focus remains on balancing capacity, safety, and commuter convenience, promising a faster and more comfortable travel experience for millions of daily passengers.
