Presently, about 120 originating Mail/Express trains and about 3,200 suburban trains are handled daily in Mumbai area. (Image generated using AI)
Mumbai rail network: The Ministry of Railways has planned to enhance train handling capacity in the Mumbai area. The country’s first train ran from Boribunder to Thane on April 16, 1853, on the present-day Mumbai Division of Central Railway (CR). The city also holds the distinction of operating India’s first electric train on February 3, 1925, on the Harbour Line.
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The rail network in Mumbai falls under the administrative jurisdiction of two zonal railways: Central Railway and Western Railway. Presently, about 120 originating Mail/Express trains and about 3,200 suburban trains are handled daily in Mumbai area.
Increasing train handling capacity in Mumbai area
To enhance train handling capacity across the Mumbai region, the national transporter has undertaken multiple infrastructure works at 12 railway stations, including Bandra Terminus, Mumbai Central, Jogeshwari, Dadar, Vasai Road, Panvel–Kalamboli, Kalyan, LTT, Parel, Virar, Dahanu Road, and Mira Road. These works include the construction of pit lines, extension of platforms, and other related improvements.
Extension of platform length
The Railways is also working to extend platform lengths at 34 stations to accommodate 15-car EMUs. The suburban trains are considered as the lifeline of Mumbai.
Introduction of new generation trains
The national transporter has also planned to introduce 238 rakes of 12-car trains with automatic doors under MUTP-III and IIIA, at an estimated cost of Rs 19,293 crore.
New railway line projects for increasing capacity in Mumbai
In a bid to increase the capacity of the Mumbai suburban rail network, the Mumbai Urban Transport Project (MUTP)-II (Rs 8,087 crore), MUTP-III (Rs 10,947 crore) and MUTP-IIIA (Rs 33,690 crore) have been sanctioned. These projects include following works in Mumbai Suburban Area:
