Mumbai’s suburban railway network is undergoing a steady transformation, with Central Railway investing in new amenities designed to improve safety, accessibility, and convenience for millions of daily passengers. From January to August this year, a significant expansion of passenger-focused facilities has been completed across multiple stations, signalling a strong emphasis on modernisation and inclusivity in 2025.
Officials confirmed that ten new escalators have been commissioned at key commuter hubs including Karjat, Tilak Nagar, Mankhurd, Vikhroli, and Vangani, enhancing access between platforms and reducing crowding during peak hours. Complementing this, nine lifts have been added at stations such as Govandi, Khardi, Sewri, Shelu, and Chunabhatti, providing much-needed relief to senior citizens, persons with disabilities, and passengers with heavy luggage. Infrastructural upgrades have not been limited to vertical transport. A new six-metre-wide foot overbridge was completed at Govandi, while heritage connectors at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus linking platforms 14 through 18 were refurbished to meet modern safety standards. The ageing staircase at Masjid station has also been reconstructed, improving both safety and commuter flow.
Technology-based solutions are playing a central role in the revamp. A total of 228 new Automatic Ticket Vending Machines (ATVMs) have been deployed across 75 stations in the Mumbai Division. These machines aim to ease congestion at ticket counters by offering faster self-service options. Officials said the move not only benefits regular commuters but also reduces operational delays during peak passenger loads. A notable accessibility initiative has been the installation of 170 buzzers across the Main and Harbour lines to support Divyangjan passengers, particularly those with visual impairments. These buzzers help commuters identify dedicated boarding points with greater ease, underlining the railway’s commitment to creating a gender-neutral, inclusive transit environment.
In addition, outdated passenger information systems such as platform indicators and address systems are being progressively replaced, ensuring clearer communication during disruptions or emergencies. Experts say these upgrades, while small in scale compared to large infrastructure projects, significantly improve the day-to-day commuter experience, particularly for vulnerable groups. Transport analysts believe that Central Railway’s targeted investments highlight a broader strategy of building sustainable and resilient urban mobility systems. By prioritising accessibility, introducing technology-driven solutions, and focusing on user safety, Mumbai’s rail network is aligning with the global shift towards sustainable public transport infrastructure. For a city where suburban rail remains the backbone of daily commuting, these changes are critical in balancing rising passenger volumes with equitable service delivery.
The challenge, however, will lie in ensuring regular maintenance and scaling up such facilities across all busy stations. For now, commuters can look forward to smoother journeys, easier access, and safer travel conditions as Mumbai’s suburban rail ecosystem adapts to future needs.
Also Read : Nanded Airport Resumes Flight Services After Runway Repairs Reconnecting Six Major Indian Cities
