Mumbai's lifeline, its suburban railway network, is poised for a significant upgrade with the announcement of new high-tech trains and infrastructure improvements. Railway Minister revealed plans for a new fleet of trains specifically designed to tackle the city's notorious overcrowding issues and enhance passenger comfort.

The upgraded trains will feature advanced ventilation systems with increased oxygen levels, improved acceleration capabilities, and enhanced suspension for smoother rides. In a major operational shift, the time gap between trains will be progressively reduced from the current 180 seconds to 120 seconds, potentially increasing the frequency of services significantly.

The transformation extends beyond new trains, with plans to lay approximately 300 kilometres of new tracks across the city. The initiative is backed by a substantial financial commitment, with ₹16,400 crore allocated for various railway projects across Central and Western Railways in Mumbai. A tripartite agreement between Maharashtra, the Central Government, and the RBI has been established to ensure smooth project execution.

This modernisation drive is part of a larger ₹23,778 crore allocation for Maharashtra's railways in the Union Budget 2025-26, marking a historic investment in the region's railway infrastructure.