06 August,2026 08:02 AM IST | Mumbai | Rajendra B. Aklekar
Commuters navigate the interchange between the Metro and suburban railway network at Ghatkopar during peak hours. MRVC has launched a study to improve multimodal connectivity and make transfers quicker and more seamless. File Pic/Atul Kamble
As Mumbai's Metro network expands and suburban railway stations become increasingly complex with new foot overbridges, decks, skywalks, and escalators, the Mumbai Railway Vikas Corporation (MRVC) has launched a study to fix one of the city's biggest commuting pain points - the often confusing and time-consuming transfer between Metro and local trains.
The corporation has begun appointing a consultant to carry out a comprehensive Multimodal Integration (MMI) Study, which will identify gaps in connectivity between suburban railway stations and Metro corridors and prepare engineering solutions to make interchanges quicker, safer and more seamless.
"Mumbai's suburban railway and Metro networks are together shaping the future of urban mobility in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region. As Metro connectivity expands rapidly, the focus must now shift from merely creating transport infrastructure to creating a truly integrated transport ecosystem where passengers can move seamlessly, safely and conveniently between different modes of travel," said Vilas Sopan Wadekar, chairman and managing director, MRVC.
>> Long walks between Metro stations and railway platforms
>> Congested foot overbridges and station entrances
>> Poor wayfinding and confusing signages
>> Multiple level changes through staircases and escalators
>> Inadequate last-mile connectivity
The study aims to create "zero-friction" transfers by reducing interchange time and improving passenger movement.
MRVC said the study will not start from scratch. Instead, it will build on earlier work carried out by agencies like:
>> MMRDA
>> IIT Bombay
The focus will be on identifying gaps and preparing Detailed Project Reports (DPRs).
The consultant will assess:
>> Foot overbridges (FOBs)
>> Platforms and concourses
>> Entry and exit points
>> Escalators and lifts
>> Ticketing areas
>> Passenger circulation
>> Accessibility for senior citizens and persons with disabilities
>> Wayfinding and passenger information systems
The exercise will include:
>> Field surveys
>> Passenger movement studies
>> Engineering assessments
>> Pedestrian simulation modelling
Passenger movement will also be projected for 2031 and 2041 so that future infrastructure keeps pace with demand.
Vilas Sopan Wadekar Chairman & Managing Director, MRVC
"Through this study, MRVC aims to identify practical, engineering-led solutions that enhance passenger circulation, improve accessibility, reduce congestion, and strengthen multimodal connectivity within railway premises. The study will adopt a scientific, data-driven approach to prioritise interventions and prepare DPRs for MMI solutions that meet Mumbai commuters' mobility needs."
Once the study is completed, MRVC will receive a phased implementation plan covering:
>> Short-term projects
>> Medium-term projects
>> Long-term projects
Multimodal integration means making it easy for commuters to switch between different modes of transport - such as local trains, Metro, buses and pedestrian networks - through well-planned infrastructure, common ticketing, clear signage and shorter interchange times.
The study could recommend
Better connectivity
>> New FOBs, skywalks, subways, and concourses
>> Shorter walking distances between Metro and railway stations
Less crowding
>> Improved passenger dispersal
>> Better-designed station entry and exit points
Better accessibility
>> Barrier-free movement for senior citizens and persons with disabilities
Smarter ticketing
>> National Common Mobility Card (NCMC)
>> QR-based ticketing
>> Automatic Ticket Vending Machines
Better navigation
>> Uniform station signages
>> Easier wayfinding
>> Integrated passenger information systems
Improved last-mile links
>> Better connections to buses and other transport modes
