268 new AC trains with Metro-style coaches to replace ageing fleet in phases; fares to remain unchanged
The current open-door trains will be replaced with modern, fully air-conditioned rakes. PIC/SHADAB KHAN
Old open-door local trains in Mumbai will soon be a thing of the past. The Maharashtra government has given the green signal for replacing all old open-door trains with modern, fully air-conditioned rakes — without increasing ticket fares — in a phased manner. The procurement process for the new rakes will begin once approvals are received from the central government.
On Tuesday, the state cabinet infrastructure committee, chaired by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, approved the plan to replace old rakes with technology-driven, closed-door trains similar to Metro coaches. In the first phase, 268 fully air-conditioned trains with closed doors and advanced passenger amenities will be purchased under modernisation plans in MTUP phases 3 and 3A.
mid-day had reported that Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw had, in March 2025, cleared the proposal to procure 238 air-conditioned local trains for Mumbai. He said, “I had discussions with Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on the subject of improving Mumbai’s local train system. This topic came up, and I was glad to announce that the procurement of 238 new local trains for Mumbai has been finally approved.”
The AC train plan for Mumbai had been stalled due to political opposition from the NCP since August 2022, after party president Sharad Pawar demanded a complete withdrawal of AC locals and the restoration of regular services for working-class commuters. Following this, Central Railway discontinued its 10 new AC services, citing law and order concerns. The plan to convert all locals into AC trains was then slowed down and kept in cold storage.
The infrastructure meeting was attended by Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, Revenue Minister Chandrashekar Bawankule, Chief Secretary Rajesh Kumar, and other senior ministers and administrative officials.
Fadnavis said, “While old rakes will be replaced with new closed-door technology trains, the ticket fares will remain unchanged.”
Besides modern rakes, the committee also approved the construction of a third and fourth line on the Pune–Lonavala suburban corridor. The state government aims to reduce traffic pressure in Pune and improve connectivity for residential and industrial hubs by adding the new lines.
The chief minister said, “These projects will give a major push to modern transport and development in Mumbai, Pune, Thane, Navi Mumbai and Nagpur.”
In Pune, two new metro stations — Balajinagar–Bibewadi and Swargate–Katraj, have also been sanctioned under Phase 1 of the Pune Metro.
In Nagpur, the government has cleared a new Ring Road and township plans, which are expected to boost growth and open fresh opportunities in the city.
Cabinet clears Metro 11, elevated road link
A fully underground Metro Line 11, running from Wadala Depot to Gateway of India via key stations such as Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Chowk and Horniman Circle, was also approved at the cabinet meeting. Additionally, a new elevated road between Navi Mumbai and Thane has been given the go-ahead.
According to a statement issued by the Chief Minister’s Office, the 16-km fully underground Metro 11 will cost nearly Rs 24,000 crore and will be funded by JICA. “The project will help reduce Mumbai’s traffic, and a joint commercial complex with BEST will generate additional income,” the release stated.
Approval was also given for the 25-km elevated road between Thane and Navi Mumbai. Once built, it is expected to provide faster and more direct connectivity between the two cities.
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