Rs. 16,240 crore boost for Mumbai railway network: New tracks, terminals and modern upgrades announced.

The central government has announced a ₹16,240 crore investment to enhance Mumbai’s railway infrastructure. Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw outlined ambitious plans to modernize the network, including station upgrades, land acquisition, additional tracks, elevated corridors, and improved interchange links. A total of 301 new railway tracks are set to be constructed under this initiative.

New Terminals and Expansions

The project includes building new terminals at Parel and Jogeshwari while expanding the capacity of existing hubs at Bandra, Vasai Road, Mumbai Central Terminal, and Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT). On the Central Line, the Lokmanya Tilak Terminus (LTT) will undergo upgrades to separate local and long-distance train operations. Parel, Panvel, and Kalyan are poised to become major junctions in the revamped network.

Project Highlights and Deadlines

Key upgrades include:

• CSMT to Kurla Fifth and Sixth Lines: ₹821 crore; Phase 1 completion by December 2025.


• Mumbai Central to Borivali Sixth Line: ₹919 crore; expected by mid-2025.


• Harbor Line Extension (Goregaon to Borivali): ₹826 crore; completion by March 2027.


• Borivali to Vihar Fifth and Sixth Lines: ₹2,184 crore.


• Vihar to Dahanu Road Third and Fourth Lines: ₹3,587 crore.


• Panvel to Karjat Suburban Corridor (30 km): ₹2,782 crore.


• Airoli to Kalwa Elevated Corridor: ₹476 crore.


• Kalyan to Asangaon Fourth Line: ₹1,759 crore.


• Kalyan to Badlapur Third and Fourth Lines (14 km): ₹1,510 crore.


• Kalyan to Kasara (67 km): ₹792 crore.

Enhanced Train Capacity and Technology

By 2025-2027, over 300 km of projects are expected to be completed, allowing for the addition of at least 300 more trains to the current fleet of 3,200 operating on the Western and Central lines. The Kavach 5.0 technology, featuring communication-based train control (CBTC), will reduce train intervals from 180 seconds to 150 and eventually to 120 seconds, increasing efficiency by 15%.

Modernization and Electrification

Future trains will include upgraded ventilation systems and improved oxygen levels for enhanced passenger comfort. Nearly 97% of the network has already been electrified, with complete electrification expected by year-end.

Minister Vaishnaw emphasized the transformative impact of these developments: “The metro, coastal roads, and rail upgrades will significantly improve life for Mumbaikars, ensuring a seamless and efficient transport system for the future.”

ET