Mumbai: Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw on Monday announced plans to reduce the time gap between two moving local trains from the current 180 seconds to 150 seconds and eventually to 120 seconds. This reduction aims to ease overcrowding and allow more train services to operate efficiently.
To accommodate increasing passenger demand, nearly 10 per cent more local train services, around 300 additional services, will be introduced in phases. This will be in addition to the existing 3,000 services operated daily, following the completion of key infrastructure projects, PTI reported. The minister also stated that approximately 300 km of new tracks will be laid in Mumbai to support these enhancements.
Mumbai To See New Design Trains Soon
Addressing a press conference via video link from New Delhi, Vaishnaw highlighted that railway projects worth Rs 16,400 crore are at various stages of completion for Mumbai on both Central and Western Railway. He also assured that Mumbai’s suburban railway would soon see new-design trains equipped with improved features to enhance passenger comfort and reduce overcrowding.
“A plan for new design trains on the Mumbai suburban network will be announced soon,” the minister said. These upgraded trains will have better acceleration and enhanced ventilation systems, providing more oxygen content inside coaches to address overcrowding concerns. Additionally, improved suspension systems will enhance passenger comfort.
Mega Railway Budget Allocation For Maharashtra
Vaishnaw also stated the record-high railway budget allocation for Maharashtra, stating that Rs 23,778 crore has been earmarked for the state in the Union Budget 2025-26. This is 20 times higher than the allocations made under previous UPA governments, he noted.
To ensure seamless funding and expedited completion of railway projects, Maharashtra has signed a tripartite agreement with the central government and the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). This agreement is expected to facilitate a steady cash flow and accelerate the execution of crucial railway infrastructure projects.
