Western Railway to Launch 50 Express Trains to Ease Mumbai Commuter Traffic
The growing commuter woes in Mumbai, Western Railway (WR) is all set to introduce more than 50 long-distance express trains. This initiative is part of an extensive plan aimed at reducing the waitlist of passengers and enhancing connectivity for millions who rely on the rail network daily.
A key part of this initiative will be a significant upgrade of infrastructure at crucial railway stations in the city, including Bandra Terminus, Mumbai Central, and the commissioning of new stations at Jogeshwari and Vasai. These improvements are expected to not only ease congestion but also offer enhanced facilities for both commuters and long-distance travellers. Western Railway’s efforts are focused on reducing the pressure at existing stations, which currently see overcrowding due to limited capacity. A WR official stated, “We are committed to improving the passenger experience by enhancing our infrastructure. The aim is to make sure that commuters no longer face long waitlists or overcrowded trains.”
One of the key infrastructure upgrades includes the construction of three new pit lines at Bandra Terminus, costing Rs 45 crore, set to be completed in phases before June. These new facilities will allow the station to handle Vande Bharat trains alongside other long-distance train coaches. This will mark a significant milestone for Bandra, which is set to become a more central hub for high-speed trains like the Vande Bharat. Additionally, Mumbai Central will undergo major yard remodelling to accommodate longer, 24-coach trains. This development will increase the capacity of each train, reducing overcrowding and enabling more passengers to travel comfortably on each journey. WR is also exploring other operational measures to ensure that the stations can handle the increased load.
Another key project is the commissioning of the Jogeshwari terminus, which is expected to open by the end of this year. This new station will help ease the burden on Bandra and Mumbai Central by shifting some services to the new terminus. Jogeshwari is expected to accommodate up to 12 long-distance trains, improving the distribution of services across the region. Moreover, WR is also working on the development of a new terminus at Vasai, which will operate an additional 12 long-distance trains, further improving rail connectivity for people travelling to and from the suburbs of Mumbai. This will help decentralise train operations and reduce congestion in the central parts of the city.
For commuters like Seema Patel, a daily traveller from Kandivali to Churchgate, the announcement has come as a relief. She shares, “I have often faced the frustration of not getting a seat due to the waitlist, and these new developments will make my daily commute much more comfortable.” The introduction of these 50 new trains and the infrastructure upgrades will be a game-changer for Western Railway, enhancing the overall travel experience and making daily commutes much easier for Mumbaikars. With these new initiatives, WR hopes to reduce the burden on existing infrastructure and improve the reliability of train services. As the projects continue to unfold, Western Railway is optimistic that these changes will not only ease the waitlist but also offer a smoother, more efficient journey for all those who rely on the trains to get around this bustling metropolis.
