Mumbai suburban rail gets 268 AC trains as Maharashtra approves upgrades
Mumbai is set for a massive suburban railway transformation, with the Maharashtra government approving the procurement of 268 fully air-conditioned trains under the Mumbai Urban Transport Project Phases 3 and 3A. Officials confirmed that the new metro-style rakes, equipped with automatic doors and modern passenger amenities, will gradually replace ageing open-door services while maintaining existing fare levels.
The decision marks a decisive push towards modernising India’s busiest suburban rail system, which carries nearly 80 lakh passengers daily. By enhancing capacity, officials said the introduction of these AC trains is expected to improve commuter comfort, reduce overcrowding, and set higher safety standards in line with sustainable urban mobility goals.The Cabinet Committee on Infrastructure also cleared a series of urban transport projects across other major cities, signalling a broader state-wide effort to integrate greener, faster, and more efficient mobility networks. Pune’s long-pending suburban railway expansion between Pune and Lonavala received approval for a third and fourth line, a project anticipated to significantly ease congestion for daily commuters while strengthening links with industrial and residential clusters. Transport experts highlighted that this expansion could also reduce reliance on road travel, curbing emissions and traffic bottlenecks.In addition, Pune’s metro network will see Phase 1 expansion with two new stations at Balajinagar–Bibwewadi and Swargate–Katraj. These will provide smoother east–west connectivity across dense residential belts and commercial zones.
Thane and Navi Mumbai are set to benefit from the approval of a 25-kilometre elevated rail corridor connecting the city directly with the upcoming Navi Mumbai International Airport. According to urban planners, this fast-track link is likely to transform accessibility to industrial areas along the route while cutting dependence on private vehicles for airport connectivity.Mumbai itself will witness the development of a new underground Metro Line 11 stretching from Wadala Depot to Gateway of India, passing key commercial hubs such as Horniman Circle and Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Chowk. With an estimated cost of Rs 24,000 crore, supported by international financing, the project is expected to decongest surface traffic and stimulate fresh commercial opportunities through integrated development models with city transport agencies.
Meanwhile, Nagpur has been sanctioned a new ring road along with a planned satellite city to ease urban pressure and distribute economic activity more evenly. Experts said this would complement Nagpur’s growing role as a logistics hub while aligning with the state’s vision of balanced regional development.The series of approvals reflects a long-term strategy to modernise urban infrastructure with sustainability at its core. For commuters across Maharashtra, the projects promise safer, faster, and more climate-friendly journeys, setting the stage for cities that are not only better connected but also more liveable in the years ahead.
