Mumbai, Feb 3 (PTI) – Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced on Monday that Mumbai’s suburban railway network will soon introduce newly designed trains featuring enhanced passenger comfort and reduced overcrowding.
Addressing a press conference via video link from New Delhi, Vaishnaw revealed that a formal plan for the rollout of these modern trains will be announced soon. The new design will incorporate improved features such as better acceleration, enhanced ventilation ensuring higher oxygen levels, and improved suspension for a smoother ride.
Additionally, Mumbai’s suburban railway network will see a significant increase in services. Vaishnaw stated that approximately 10% more local train services—about 300 additional services—will be introduced gradually, complementing the current 3,000 daily operations. This expansion will follow the completion of ongoing infrastructure projects.
To further improve railway efficiency and accommodate growing commuter demand, the minister announced plans to lay nearly 300 km of new railway tracks across the city. Moreover, the current time gap between two moving local trains, which stands at 180 seconds, will be reduced to 150 seconds and subsequently to 120 seconds. This move aims to curb overcrowding and increase service frequency.
Highlighting the government's financial commitment to railway infrastructure, Vaishnaw disclosed that projects worth ₹16,400 crore are in various stages of completion across Mumbai’s Central and Western Railway networks. He also emphasized that the Union Budget 2025-26 has allocated a record ₹23,778 crore for railway projects in Maharashtra—20 times more than the allocations made under previous UPA governments.
Furthermore, Maharashtra has entered into a tripartite agreement with the Central Government and the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to ensure the seamless execution and funding of railway projects in the state.
These developments mark a significant step towards improving Mumbai’s lifeline—the suburban railway network—by enhancing efficiency, increasing capacity, and improving passenger experience.
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