Railways are the lifeline of the Nation. Nowhere is this as true as in Mumbai, where the suburban network popularly called 'the local train' ensures that Mumbaikars reach their destination on time. At a total length of 459 kms the network has more than 3,000 services of local trains carrying around 80 lakh Mumbaikars on a daily basis, making it one of the busiest urban transport systems in the world. The dabbawala carrying tiffins on the local train has become an iconic image to describe the city.

To ensure Mumbai has world-class infrastructure in keeping with its metropolitan status, Government under Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi Ji has taken a number of initiatives to upgrade the suburban system, which will help improve passenger satisfaction and safety, reduce congestion, and adequately plan for the future. With regards to passenger safety, Railways is working in mission mode. Foot Over Bridges (FOBs), platforms and pathways on platform end are now treated as safety items having highest priority with no restriction of the budget. Earlier only the first FOB at a station was considered as essential and subsequent as passenger amenities. To allow free and safe movement of passengers, 87 FOBs have been constructed since 2014 including 44 after the unfortunate Elphinstone Road station tragedy. A further 70 FOBs will be commissioned this year while 55 will be commissioned next year. The average time for construction has been reduced from 8-9 months to about 3 months. We have also raised the height of all station platforms in the suburban section to allow safer entry and exit into trains.