Mumbai News: ₹4,826 cr approved for 238 new AC trains & rail projects

In a recent decision for Mumbai's commuters, the Maharashtra Cabinet has approved a massive ₹4,826 crore investment to purchase 238 new air-conditioned local trains. This move, under the Mumbai Urban Transport Project (MUTP-3 & 3A), marks the single largest addition of modern rolling stock to the city's overburdened suburban network.

This ambitious initiative, spearheaded by the Mumbai Railway Development Corporation (MRDC), will be funded jointly by the state government and the Railway Board, without the need for external loans. The state will contribute ₹2,413 crore, with final approval pending from the Central Railway Board.

The new air-conditioned (AC) trains will replace the outdated, doorless trains currently operating on Mumbai’s western and central lines. Chief Minister emphasised that the fares for these AC trains will remain the same as those for non-AC locals, calling the project a “turning point” for Mumbai’s railway system. These modern trains will be equipped with closed doors, automatic systems, and metro-style features, offering a much more efficient and comfortable commute.

Moreover, the state cabinet has approved the construction of 136.65 km of new suburban routes under MUTP-3B, which includes key lines like the third and fourth tracks between Badlapur-Karjat, and a new corridor linking Panvel to Vasai. These upgrades are poised to ease congestion and significantly improve Mumbai's transport network.

The Chief Minister referred to this as the "largest single addition" of modern rolling stock to Mumbai’s lifeline, a step towards alleviating the strain on the city’s overburdened railway system.

Simultaneously, Mumbai Railways is tackling a major ticketing loophole with a tech upgrade. Static QR codes, which allowed passengers to bypass ticket checks by saving codes for later use, are being replaced with dynamic ones that refresh regularly. This change aims to restore fairness and eliminate misuse of the system.

In another safety-focused development, Western Railway is installing CCTV cameras, voice recorders, and AI-enabled systems in Mumbai Local Trains to improve security and assist in investigations. Additionally, all existing suburban trains will be retrofitted with automatic door closure mechanisms to enhance passenger safety.