Mumbai Suburban Rail Network Set For Major Overhaul With Rs 17,000 Crore Infra Push, 238 AC Rakes And Kavach 5.0 Rollout

In a major infrastructure push for Mumbai’s suburban commuters, Union Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw and Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Friday announced a comprehensive upgrade of the Mumbai Suburban Railway Network, backed by a Rs 17,000 crore investment across 300 km of new rail lines.

Addressing a press conference in Mumbai, Vaishnaw detailed how Indian Railways aims to modernise suburban services, increase train frequency, and enhance commuter comfort through new technology and rolling stock.

Rs 17,000 Crore Worth of Projects To Ease Congestion

Vaishnaw said projects worth nearly Rs 17,000 crore, covering more than 300 kilometers of new lines, are currently underway at a rapid pace.

These initiatives aim to decongest existing lines, improve service frequency, and cater to the ever-growing demand of Mumbai’s suburban commuters.

Kavach 5.0 Safety Tech To Enable More Trains

He also announced the the upcoming launch of Kavach 5.0, a state-of-the-art safety and signaling system tailored for the suburban section.

Kavach 5.0 is expected to significantly reduce the inter-train headway, enabling more trains to run safely and efficiently.

238 AC Suburban Rakes To Be Introduced

In a significant move to improve commuter experience, Indian Railways will induct 238 new air-conditioned rakes into Mumbai’s suburban network.

These rakes have been uniquely designed keeping in mind the needs of Mumbai’s commuters, promising a more comfortable and reliable travel experience.

Mumbai One Card To Unify Urban Transport

During the press conference, Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis announced that Mumbai One Card will soon be launched, which will be a single and all integrated card set to transform public transport across MMR region for passengers traveling in suburban trains, metro rails, mono-rail, BEST buses, etc.

Strategic Doubling of Gondia–Ballarshah Line

Beyond Mumbai, the Gondia–Ballarshah railway line—a 240 km strategic corridor in eastern Maharashtra—will be doubled at a cost of Rs 4,819 crore.

Approved by the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs on 7 April, this project aims to enhance connectivity between Vidarbha and Marathwada, and improve links with Andhra Pradesh and Chhattisgarh.

The upgrade will include modernisation of 29 stations, 36 major bridges, 338 minor bridges, and 67 road under-bridges.

132 Stations in Maharashtra Being Redeveloped

Under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme, 132 stations across Maharashtra are being upgraded.

Many are nearing completion, aiming to deliver modern passenger facilities and smarter station layouts.

Rs 1.73 Lakh Crore Investment by Indian Railways in Maharashtra

The Ministry of Railways said that it has has committed Rs 1,73,804 crore of investment in the state, underscoring Maharashtra’s strategic importance in the national rail network and its future growth trajectory.

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