Railways to Revolutionize Mumbai Transport with 250 New Suburban Services

The Railways plans to add 250 new suburban services, redesign the network, and create mega terminals in Mumbai over the next five years. Initiatives include reducing train headway, separating services, and developing coastal roads and metro rail for improved transportation. Major funding has been allocated to these projects.

In a significant move to enhance Mumbai's transportation infrastructure, the Railways announced the addition of 250 new suburban services in the next five years, along with plans to redesign the network and build mega terminals. This ambitious plan aims to streamline rail travel in Mumbai, the financial capital of India.

Addressing a press conference, Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw emphasized the redesign of the suburban network to minimize cross movements of trains, thereby improving the efficiency of Mumbai's transportation system. New technologies will reduce the headway between trains from 180 to 150 seconds.

Vaishnaw highlighted the importance of distinguishing between suburban and long-distance train services. The development of Mumbai's coastal road and the gradual operationalization of the metro rail will further ease transportation. New terminals at Panvel-Kalamboli, Hadapsar, Uruli, Khadki, and Shivajinagar aim to alleviate pressure on Pune station.

In the recent Union Budget, ₹15,940 crore was allocated to railway projects in Maharashtra. The minister mentioned that ₹81,000 crore worth of projects are underway, with complete electrification of the rail network. Additionally, 128 stations will be redeveloped under the Amrit Bharat station initiative.

(With inputs from agencies.)