Rs 162.4 Bn boost for Mumbai railway network

19 Nov 2024 CW Team

The central government has allotted Rs 162.40 billion to improve Mumbai's railway network. According to Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, the funds will be used for station upgrades, land acquisition, installation of additional lines, elevated corridors, interchange links, and other enhancements. To further improve Mumbai's infrastructure, the government plans to build 301 new railway tracks. The government also intends to build additional terminals at Parel and Jogeshwari while expanding the capacity of existing terminals at Bandra, Vasai Road, Mumbai Central Terminal, and Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT). On the Central Line, the capacity at Lokmanya Tilak Terminus (LTT) will be increased to separate local and long-distance trains. Parel, Panvel, and Kalyan will become major junctions, the minister announced during an event. “The construction of the metro, coastal roads, and railways will significantly improve the lives of Mumbaikars,” said the minister. “By the end of 2025 to 2027, 300 km of projects will be completed. Currently, 3,200 local trains operate on the Western and Central railway lines. Once all these projects are finished, at least 300 more trains will be operational.” The minister highlighted the introduction of Kavach 5.0 technology, which features CBTC (communication-based train control). “The new Kavach version will reduce the minimum train running gap from 180 seconds to 150 seconds, and eventually to 120 seconds, increasing network efficiency by 15%,” he said. Additionally, plans are underway to upgrade train technology, focusing on better ventilation, improved oxygen levels, and other passenger-friendly features. New train models will be introduced after project completion. Nearly 97% of Mumbai’s railway network has been electrified, with full electrification expected by the end of the year.

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