15 October,2026 11:20 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. File Pic
The Maharashtra government has issued a Government Resolution (GR) establishing a high-level task force to prepare a framework for expanding and integrating railway networks, metro corridors and Regional Rapid Transit Systems (RRTS) across the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR) and other urban centres in the state.
The initiative is part of the state's Viksit Maharashtra 2047 vision and aims to assess transport requirements, identify suitable systems for different regions and improve coordination among infrastructure agencies.
The panel's formation follows a meeting held on October 7 under the chairmanship of the Additional Chief Secretary, Urban Development-1. It has been asked to submit its recommendations and report within six months.
Its responsibilities include preparing policy recommendations, assessing the feasibility and economic viability of proposed transport systems, and identifying measures to integrate different modes of public transport.
The panel will also examine the expansion of railway networks, new metro corridors, RRTS projects and semi-high-speed rail connections between major cities. The recommendations are expected to guide future transport planning rather than constitute final approval for individual projects.
The chairman and managing director of Mumbai Railway Vikas Corporation (MRVC) will lead the task force, while the corporation's chief manager for planning will serve as member secretary.
Other members include officials from the Maharashtra Metro Rail Corporation, Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation, Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority and the state Urban Development Department.
Planning officials from CIDCO, the Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority, Nashik Metropolitan Region Development Authority, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar Metropolitan Region Development Authority, Nagpur Metropolitan Region Development Authority and Maha Mumbai Metro Operation Corporation have been invited to participate.
The chairperson will also be able to invite additional members when required.
Mumbai's public transport system combines suburban rail services, metro corridors, buses and the monorail. These systems serve different parts of the metropolitan region, but improving connections between them remains important as the urban area expands.
The suburban railway network continues to undergo capacity upgrades, including station improvements and additional infrastructure. According to the Railway Ministry, around 3,200 suburban train services operate in the Mumbai area daily.
Metro connectivity has also expanded. The 33.5-km underground Aqua Line, or Metro Line 3, connecting Cuffe Parade with Aarey, became fully operational in October 2025.
(With inputs from IANS)
