Railways has also promised doubling of express trains for Mumbai in the next three to five years
Railway officials and contract staff at work to install a new railway line between Kandivli and Borivli. PIC/SATEJ SHINDE
Following an on-ground assessment of all the ongoing projects in Mumbai, the Railways has promised 700 additional suburban services and the doubling of express trains for Mumbai in the next three to five years. The assessments are a part of the larger plan for 48 major cities, which includes planned, proposed, or already sanctioned works to achieve the goal of doubling train-handling capacity in a time-bound manner.
Himanshu Vartak, Palghar passenger activist; (right) Shailesh Goyal, Former member of the National Railway Users Consultative Committee. PICS/BY SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT
While the Central Railway (CR) has identified Mumbai, Pune and Nagpur, the Western Railway (WR) has identified six major cities, including Mumbai, Surat, Vadodara, Ahmedabad, Ujjain and Indore, for its expansion of services. “We’re expanding coaching terminals in key cities to meet rising passenger demand and reduce congestion. This move will upgrade the railway network and significantly improve nationwide connectivity,” Ashwini Vaishnaw, minister for railways said.
The works for doubling the originating capacity by 2030 would include upgrading the current terminals with additional platforms, stabling lines, pit lines, and adequate shunting facilities; identifying and creating new terminals in and around the urban area; maintenance facilities, including mega coaching complexes; and increasing the sectional capacity with traffic facility works, signalling upgrades, and multitracking required for handling increased trains at various points.
Mansoor Umer Darvesh, secretary, Passenger and Traffic Relief Association
While planning for increasing the capacity of terminals, stations around terminals will also be considered so that capacity is evenly balanced. The above exercise will be done for both suburban and non-suburban traffic, keeping in view the distinct requirements of both segments.
Voices
Himanshu Vartak, Palghar passenger activist
“After commissioning the 5th and 6th line work between Borivli and Kandivli, all express trains should be transferred to those lines, vacating paths for
suburban trains.”
Mansoor Umer Darvesh, Secretary of Passenger and Traffic Relief Association
“I am very thankful to the railway authorities for giving us such a New Year gift in planning, but it should be completed within the given deadlines.”
Shailesh Goyal Former member of National Railway Users Consultative Committee
“Given the railway lines, the geographical situation makes it very difficult to extend the platform as well as build more lines for commencing new services.”
Central Railway plans
Suburban trains:
CR operates 1820 suburban train services daily.
Increase in capacity will result in 584 extra services
What is happening
Platform extension to accommodate 15 coach trains at 34 stations for the CSMT- Kalyan fast corridor.
>> What will it lead to: Increased 25% capacity
>> Deadline: Early 2026
Parel-Kurla 5th and 6th line with deck at Kurla for harbour line and 5th and 6th line.
>> What will it lead to: Dedicated suburban train corridor between Parel-Kalyan and beyond.
>> Deadline: In phases, very slow work at zonal level
Kalyan-Kasara 3rd and 4th line and Kalyan-Karjat 3rd & 4th line
>> What will it lead to: Dedicated express train corridor beyond Kalyan, making space for suburban trains.
>> Deadline: Phase 1, late 2026
Panvel-Karjat project
>> What will it lead to: New suburban corridor connectivity.
>> Deadline: 2026
Ongoing Kalyan yard remodeling
>> What will it lead to: Segregation of rail traffic. Local train paths will improve
>> Deadline: March 2027
Express trains: CR currently handles 82 originating trains (Mail Express) in Mumbai. The increase in capacity will result in additional 68 trains (30 primary-maintained and 38 platform-return trains)
What is happening
Panvel-Kalamboli project
>> What will it lead to: 5 platforms, 4 pit lines, 6 the lines.
>> Deadline: March 2027
Kalyan Terminus
>> What will it lead to: 6 Platforms, 7 other lines
Deadline: March 2027
Parel Terminus
>> What will it lead to: 6 Platforms, Multiple lines
>> Deadline: Not specified
Kurla LTT
>> What will it lead to: 4 Platforms, Multiple lines
>> Deadline: Project under process
Western Railway plans
Suburban trains: At present, Western Railway runs 1406 suburban services daily through 116 rakes maintained at three car sheds. With completion of infrastructure upgradation works, it is planned to run additional 165 suburban services.
What is happening
Mumbai Central-Borivli 6th line.
>> What will it lead to: Clear path for suburban trains
Deadline: Not specified
Borivli – Virar 5th and 6th lines
>> What will it lead to: Segregation for suburban trains
>> Deadline: December 2027
Virar-Dahanu 3rd and 4th line
>> What will it lead to: More paths beyond Virar
>> Deadline: March 2028
15-car trains Ban-Andheri
>> What will it lead to: 25% more capacity
>> Deadline: 2026
Goregaon-Borivali harbour line
>> What will it lead to: More harbour line locals
>> Deadline: March 2028
Express train plans: WR currently handles
44 long-distance trains from Mumbai area and with these infrastructure works; it plans to introduce.
65 more long-distance trains. The corridors will also enhance express train capacity.
What is happening
Naigaon–Juichandra double chord line
>> What will it lead to: Mumbai Central trains to KR
>> Deadline: Not specified
New terminus for express trains at Jogeshwari with three platforms. In phase 2, two more platforms and two pit lines are planned.
>> What will it lead to: Increase in number of express trains.
>> Deadline: 2026
New Vasai Road terminus for express trains with two platforms. In phase 2, a coaching terminal with a pit line is also planned.
>> What will it lead to: Increase in number of express trains.
>> Deadline: Dec 2027
One more platform at Dadar Terminus
>> What will it lead to: Increased services from Dadar.
>> Deadline: December 2027
More lines. At Mumbai Central, the existing sick line is being extended for integrated maintenance. At Bandra Terminus, three new Pit lines have been commissioned. Extension of platform 5 at Mumbai Central for 24 coaches & two new pit lines.
>> What will it lead to: Increase in number of express trains.
>> Deadline: Dec 2027
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