Indian Railways has embarked on a major infrastructure overhaul of the Mumbai Suburban Railway system, with the Union Cabinet approving 12 key projects valued at over ₹16,200 crore. The initiatives are part of a long-term plan to improve capacity, reduce congestion, and meet the growing travel demand in the Mumbai metropolitan region.

The announcement was made by Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw in the Lok Sabha, as recorded in the official proceedings of the Indian Parliament’s Monsoon Session 2025.

According to the Ministry of Railways, the approved projects include:
• CSMT–Kurla 5th & 6th Lines
• Mumbai Central–Borivali 6th Line
• Extension of Harbour Line from Goregaon to Borivali
• Borivali–Virar 5th & 6th Lines
• Virar–Dahanu Road 3rd & 4th Lines
• Panvel–Karjat Suburban Corridor
• Airoli–Kalwa Elevated Suburban Corridor
• Kalyan–Asangaon 4th Line
• Kalyan–Badlapur 3rd & 4th Lines
• Kalyan–Kasara 3rd Line
• Naigaon–Juichandra Double Chord Line
• Nilaje–Kopar Double Chord Line

These works are designed to enhance operational flexibility, improve punctuality, and facilitate introducing more services, particularly during peak hours. According to the Indian Railways’ official press release, this investment also supports the broader ‘PM Gati Shakti’ initiative for integrated infrastructure development.

Minister Vaishnaw highlighted that these infrastructure enhancements are essential to sustaining Mumbai’s urban mobility, as the city’s suburban network handles over 7.5 million passengers daily. “This investment reaffirms the government’s commitment to strengthening urban transit systems and prioritising passenger safety,” he stated in the House.

As part of modernisation, Indian Railways will also roll out 238 new Air-Conditioned (AC) suburban rakes equipped with automatic doors. These trains are being introduced to reduce accidents caused by overcrowding, especially the risks associated with passengers boarding moving trains or standing on footboards.

A senior Mumbai Railway Vikas Corporation (MRVC) official stated that the AC rakes will be progressively deployed over the next few years. “These new rakes, along with infrastructure upgrades, will enhance both the quality and safety of suburban rail services,” the official said.

Transport experts have lauded the move as a step forward in line with global urban transit standards. However, some have cautioned that the execution timelines must be strictly monitored to avoid delays. The comprehensive upgrade of the Mumbai Suburban Railway is part of India’s broader rail modernisation agenda, which includes electrification, digital signalling, and station redevelopment nationwide.