A major leap in railway infrastructure was announced in Mumbai under the initiative “Better Infrastructure, Better Technology, Better Trains,” as Union Minister Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw and Maharashtra Chief Minister Shri Devendra Fadnavis jointly addressed the media. The press briefing highlighted Indian Railways’ commitment to improving suburban and regional transport through strategic investment and technological advancements.
A significant ₹17,000 crore worth of projects is currently underway across Maharashtra, covering more than 300 km of new railway lines. These projects aim to decongest existing routes, improve service frequency, and better accommodate the growing demand from daily suburban commuters, particularly in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR).
In a bid to modernise railway operations and enhance commuter safety, the introduction of Kavach 5.0—an advanced train collision prevention and signalling system—was announced for the Mumbai Suburban Railway. This system is expected to significantly reduce inter-train headway, allowing more trains to run at shorter intervals without compromising safety.
To offer a more comfortable and reliable journey for daily commuters, Indian Railways will introduce 238 new air-conditioned suburban rakes. These rakes are specifically designed to cater to the unique travel patterns of Mumbai’s population, promising greater passenger comfort and operational efficiency.
The Maharashtra CM also announced the upcoming Mumbai One Card, an integrated smart card that will allow passengers to access multiple modes of transport—including suburban trains, metro, mono-rail, and BEST buses—making daily commutes significantly more convenient across the MMR.
A key highlight of the infrastructure roadmap is the ₹4,819 crore doubling of the Gondia–Ballarshah railway line, spanning 240 km. This strategic corridor connects Vidarbha and Marathwada and aims to reduce congestion, speed up both passenger and freight services, and strengthen Maharashtra’s rail links with Andhra Pradesh and Chhattisgarh.
The project also includes the modernisation of 29 stations, construction of 36 major bridges, 338 minor bridges, and 67 road under-bridges, enhancing operational efficiency and safety.
Under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme, 132 stations across Maharashtra are being redeveloped with modern facilities. This is part of a larger initiative covering 1,300 stations nationwide, many of which are already nearing completion.
Mumbai will also be home to India’s first Indian Institute of Creative Technology, envisioned as a globally competitive hub for the creative industry. Meanwhile, IRCTC will soon launch the ‘Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and the Glorious Maratha Tour’—a 10-day curated heritage tour aboard the Bharat Gaurav Tourist Train, showcasing the rich cultural history of Maharashtra.
Indian Railways has committed an unprecedented ₹1,73,804 crore to Maharashtra’s railway infrastructure. This significant allocation reflects the state’s pivotal role in India’s transport network and economic growth strategy.
With new-age safety systems like Kavach 5.0, air-conditioned trains, integrated mobility solutions, and regional corridor upgrades, Maharashtra’s railway infrastructure is poised for a major transformation. The projects announced today not only promise to improve daily commuting for millions but also aim to catalyse regional economic growth and integration in the years to come.
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Published on: Apr 15, 2025, 4:00 PM IST
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