Mumbai’s rail network is poised for a transformative upgrade, with the railways announcing 300 new local trains, redevelopment of eight key stations, and the establishment of a mega railway terminal in Vasai. The ambitious project, backed by the central government, aims to enhance connectivity, passenger comfort, and overall infrastructure in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR).
Former Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis expressed gratitude towards Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw for these initiatives. Among the major developments: 300 new local trains, station redevelopments, and the construction of a mega terminal in Vasai. These upgrades will alleviate commuter challenges, especially during peak hours, and improve the overall passenger experience. The additional trains will bring immediate relief to the millions of commuters who face overcrowded conditions every day. Moreover, all local trains will soon be converted into air-conditioned rakes, ensuring a safer and more comfortable travel experience, particularly during Mumbai’s sweltering summer months. These changes are expected to help prevent overcrowding-related injuries and stampedes, making train journeys safer for everyone.
As part of the redevelopment, stations such as Parel, Lokmanya Tilak Terminus (LTT), Kalyan, and Panvel will undergo significant capacity upgrades. This will streamline Central Railway operations, while Mumbai Central and Bandra stations will also see improvements. A new terminal will be built in Jogeshwari, along with the Vasai mega terminal, which will serve the growing northern suburbs and enhance regional connectivity. In addition to station upgrades, a new corridor connecting Purvanchal to Mumbai will further boost port connectivity, addressing long-standing issues in this route. This is expected to ease congestion and facilitate smoother trade and travel between the two regions.
Western Railways has already made strides by adding 13 new air-conditioned EMUs to its fleet as of November 27, bringing the total count to 109. The new rakes will further support the effort to reduce overcrowding and enhance passenger safety. These extensive rail infrastructure upgrades will not only improve the daily commute for millions but also stimulate economic growth in the region. Better connectivity will boost business activities, improve traffic management, and support Mumbai’s growing population. The project highlights the government’s commitment to modernising India’s transport infrastructure and positions Mumbai to benefit significantly from this vision.
