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.

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