Indian Railways Unveils Major Upgrades for Mumbai Suburban Network and Maharashtra Rail Infrastructure
Reported by Amit Singh
Mumbai, 11 April 2025: In a major announcement at the Jio World Convention Centre, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnav and Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis shared a detailed roadmap for modernizing railway infrastructure across Maharashtra, with a significant focus on the Mumbai Suburban Railway network. Themed “Better Infrastructure, Better Technology, Better Train Service,” the event outlined key projects aimed at enhancing commuter experience and regional connectivity.
Better Infrastructure
Projects worth ₹17,000 crore are currently underway to expand suburban railway services. Over 300 km of new rail lines are under construction, aiming to decongest existing routes and increase service frequency in Mumbai’s high-demand corridors.
Better Technology
The Indian Railways is preparing to launch ‘Kavach 5.0’, an advanced, indigenous safety and signalling system. This technology will allow trains to operate with reduced headway, enhancing both safety and operational efficiency.
Better Train Services
A total of 238 new air-conditioned suburban train rakes are set to be introduced. These rakes are specially designed to cater to the needs of Mumbai’s daily commuters.
Integrated Transport – Mumbai One Card
The Chief Minister announced the launch of the Mumbai One Card—a single smart card enabling seamless travel across local trains, metro, monorail, and BEST buses within the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR).
Indian Institute of Creative Technology
Plans were revealed to establish the Indian Institute of Creative Technology in Mumbai. The institute will hold national importance and is aimed at fostering innovation and growth in India’s creative industries.
Strategic Railway Projects in Maharashtra
Several large-scale infrastructure projects were announced:
Gondia–Balharshah line doubling (240 km) – ₹4,819 crore
Ajanta–Jalgaon–Jalna new line – ₹7,106 crore
Manmad–Indore new line – ₹18,000 crore
Manmad–Jalgaon fourth line – ₹2,700 crore
Bhusaval–Khandwa third and fourth lines – ₹3,500 crore
Amrit Bharat Station Yojana
132 railway stations in Maharashtra are undergoing redevelopment under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme. Of the 1,300 stations being modernized nationwide, several in Maharashtra are nearing completion.
Future Vision and Investments
The Railway Minister stated that Indian Railways has made its highest-ever investment in Maharashtra, totaling ₹1,73,804 crore. Projects such as the Mumbai–Ahmedabad Bullet Train, the Dedicated Freight Corridor, and ongoing station redevelopment are expected to transform the transportation landscape in the state.
Additional Announcements
The Chief Minister also spoke about preparations for the upcoming WAVES (World Audio Visual and Entertainment Summit), which is set to be inaugurated by the Prime Minister in May 2025.
A new ‘Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and Glorious Maratha Tour Train’ was also announced. The 10-day Bharat Gaurav Tourist Train journey, operated by IRCTC, will explore the cultural, historical, and religious heritage of Maharashtra.
