In the Mumbai Metropolitan Region, Western Railway currently handles 44 long-distance trains. The new infrastructure plans will enable around 65 additional long-distance trains, along with an augmentation of approximately 70 coaches daily
Currently, Western Railway operates 1,406 suburban services daily through 116 rakes. Representational Pic/Sameer Abedi
Indian Railways on Saturday announced plans to double train capacity in Mumbai and other major cities over the next five years to meet growing passenger demand, an official statement said.
According to the statement, Western Railway (WR) will focus on capacity enhancement in six cities under its jurisdiction including Mumbai, Surat, Vadodara, Ahmedabad, Ujjain, and Indore.
The expansion programme includes new terminals, additional platforms, maintenance facilities, pit lines, stabling lines, and improved signalling systems. Multitracking and better traffic management will also be introduced to increase efficiency.
Mumbai to see major upgrades
In the Mumbai region, WR currently handles 44 long-distance trains. The new infrastructure plans will enable around 65 additional long-distance trains, along with an augmentation of approximately 70 coaches daily.
Significant projects include Mumbai Central-Borivali 6th Line (MUTP-II) - Phase I completed; Phase II expected by January 2026, providing dedicated lines for Bandra Terminus trains and better segregation of suburban and mainline traffic.
Borivali-Virar 5th & 6th Line and Virar-Dahanu 3rd & 4th Line - Increasing line capacity to run more long-distance trains.
Naigaon-Juichandra Double Chord Line - To enable direct connectivity to Konkan Railway without loco reversal at Vasai Road.
New long-distance train terminuses are under construction at Jogeshwari (three platforms) and Vasai Road (two platforms), with additional platforms and maintenance facilities being enhanced at Mumbai Central, Dadar, and Bandra Terminus.
Suburban services to expand
Currently, Western Railway operates 1,406 suburban services daily through 116 rakes. The new infrastructure upgrades will release additional capacity, allowing an estimated 165 more suburban services. The extension of platforms to 15-car rakes on the Bandra-Andheri section and the harbour line extension from Goregaon to Borivali are also underway.
Progressive implementation
The capacity enhancement programme is being implemented in phases with short-term, medium-term, and long-term action plans. The goal is to double train handling capacity by 2030, but benefits will be realised progressively over the next five years.
Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said, "We’re expanding coaching terminals, enhancing sectional and operational capacities in various cities to meet rising passenger demand and reduce congestion. This move will upgrade our railway network and improve nationwide connectivity."
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