Mumbai’s suburban railway network has been approved for expansion, worth ₹33,690 crore. The projects include laying lines between Borivali and Virar, and extending the Harbour line from Goregaon to Borivali. These projects will enable more suburban and long-distance trains. In a major push to modernize one of the world’s busiest suburban rail systems, the Indian government has allocated ₹33,690 crore for various infrastructure upgrades across the Mumbai Suburban Railway Network. The move is part of a broader vision to enhance connectivity, safety, and commuter experience for over 75 lakh daily passengers. This investment will cover several key areas including station redevelopment, new railway lines, signalling upgrades, and expansion of services.
Station Redevelopment and Modernization
A significant portion of the budget will go towards redeveloping key suburban railway stations under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme. Stations such as CST (Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus), Dadar, Thane, and Andheri are expected to undergo transformation with world-class amenities, better accessibility, and multimodal integration. These revamped stations will offer improved passenger flow, energy-efficient structures, and modernized ticketing systems. (Railway Projects)
New Railway Lines and Route Expansion
The expansion of rail lines under the Mumbai Urban Transport Project (MUTP) Phase III and IV is also a key focus. This includes the extension of Panvel-Karat suburban corridor, Virar-Dahanu Road quadrupling, and new elevated corridors like CST to Panvel. These projects aim to reduce congestion, improve punctuality, and introduce new routes that cater to the fast-growing suburban population. Safety will receive a technology upgrade with plans to implement Communication-Based Train Control (CBTC) and other advanced signalling systems. This will allow for more efficient train operations with better frequency, reducing the average waiting time. Moreover, overbridges, underpasses, and boundary walls will be constructed or strengthened to eliminate level crossings and improve safety for both road users and rail passengers.
Procurement of Modern Rakes
The funding will also support the procurement of AC and non-AC rakes, replacing old coaches with modern, energy-efficient ones equipped with CCTV surveillance, automatic doors, and passenger information systems. These rakes will provide safer and more comfortable rides for daily commuters. To ensure last-mile connectivity, the projects also include provisions for bus bays, foot overbridges (FOBs), skywalks, and inter-modal transport hubs near suburban stations. Integration with Mumbai Metro, BEST buses, and auto-rickshaw zones is being planned to facilitate seamless movement for commuters.
Impact and Future Outlook
Once completed, the ₹33,690-crore investment will transform the Mumbai Suburban Railway into a modern, efficient, and commuter-friendly system. The focus on capacity building, technology, and sustainability is expected to set a benchmark for other urban transit systems across India. With deadlines set between 2027 and 2030 for different components, the project is poised to redefine Mumbai’s public transport landscape for the next generation. Details about these projects are available on (Railway Vikas Corporation), the implementing agency under Indian Railways.
The Mumbai Suburban Railway, the lifeline of the city, is set to undergo a transformative upgrade with the Indian Railways announcing a massive ₹33,690 crore investment for a series of infrastructure projects. This initiative, part of the long-term vision under the Mumbai Urban Transport Project (MUTP) and the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme, promises enhanced safety, efficiency, and comfort for the over 75 lakh daily commuters who depend on this network.
Q1. What is the total investment allocated for Mumbai Suburban Railway upgrades?
₹33,690 crore has been allocated by Indian Railways to upgrade and expand the Mumbai Suburban Railway Network under various projects like MUTP Phase III & IV and Amrit Bharat Station Scheme.
Q2. Which major railway stations will be redeveloped?
Key stations like CSMT, Dadar, Thane, Andheri, Borivali, and Kurla will be modernized with better passenger amenities, multimodal connectivity, and green infrastructure.
Q3. What new railway lines are being developed or expanded?
Projects include the Panvel–Karat corridor, CST–Panvel elevated corridor, and Virar–Dahanu line quadrupling, improving connectivity to rapidly growing suburbs.
Q4. How will this boost commuter experience?
Commuters will benefit from new AC rakes, automated signalling, reduced crowding, modern stations, and faster train services with enhanced safety and accessibility.
Q5. When will the projects be completed?
Most projects are targeted for phased completion between 2025 and 2030, depending on the corridor, scope, and approvals.
