Ashwini Vaishnaw Announces Plans To Reduce Time in Mumbai

06 Feb 2025 CW Team

Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced that the Mumbai suburban railway will soon introduce new trains with improved features aimed at enhancing passenger comfort and alleviating overcrowding. Speaking through a video link from New Delhi, Vaishnaw outlined several ongoing and upcoming projects for Mumbai’s suburban network, valued at Rs 164 billion, which are being carried out across both the Central and Western Railways.

The Minister also mentioned plans to reduce the time interval between local trains. Currently, trains operate with a 180-second gap, which will be gradually reduced to 150 seconds and eventually to 120 seconds, enabling more frequent services and reducing congestion.

A new fleet of trains with upgraded design will be introduced, Vaishnaw revealed, emphasizing better acceleration, enhanced ventilation systems to increase oxygen levels, and improved suspension systems for greater passenger comfort.

In addition to these upgrades, Vaishnaw stated that nearly 300 additional local train services will be added in phases, expanding the current daily operations of 3,000 services. The increased services will be made possible by the completion of infrastructure projects, including the laying of around 300 kilometers of new tracks.

In the Union Budget 2025-26, a record allocation of Rs 237.78 billion has been earmarked for railway projects in Maharashtra, an amount 20 times greater than the allocations made under previous UPA governments. Vaishnaw also highlighted that Maharashtra has entered into a tripartite agreement with the central government and the Reserve Bank of India to ensure timely financing and completion of these vital railway projects.

Infrastructure Transport

01 Sep 2025

Indian Railways Marks New Milestone with 4.5 km Long ‘Rudrastra’ Trial

Indian Railways has successfully conducted the trial run of Asia’s longest freight train, named ‘Rudrastra’, achieving a new milestone in cargo transportation, as per news reports. The 4.5 km-long train began its trial from Ganjkhwaja railway station in Chandauli, Uttar Pradesh, and travelled to Garhwa in Jharkhand. Covering a distance of 209 km in 5 hours and 10 minutes, it maintained an average speed of 40.5 km per hour. The train was formed by combining three long-haul racks, with ..

UltraTech Launches India’s First On-Site Hybrid RTC Renewable Energy Project

UltraTech Cement has operationalised a 7.5 MW round-the-clock (RTC) hybrid renewable energy project at its Sewagram Cement Works in Gujarat. The first-of-its-kind solution combines bifacial solar modules with trackers, wind energy and battery storage, co-located on-site, to ensure uninterrupted power for cement manufacturing without grid reliance. The project was executed in collaboration with clean energy solutions provider Gentari. Installed as a behind-the-meter system, it is the country..

Patna Metro Trials Successful, Red Line Priority Corridor to Launch This Month

Patna is set to roll out its first metro rail service later this month, with successful trial runs conducted on the Red Line priority corridor, the Patna Metro Rail Corporation announced.On 7 September, a metro train completed a test run between the Patna depot and Bhootnath station. Officials said the trials involved rigorous checks of rolling stock fitness, overhead electrification (OHE), and track alignment and stability to ensure operational safety and performance.The corridor from the New Pataliputra Bus Terminal to Bhoothnath has been designated as the priority stretch and will be the fi..