August 13, 2025: Mumbai’s suburban rail network is poised for a major overhaul as the Western Railway rolls out a three-year strategy to develop dedicated corridors for local trains. The plan will separate suburban services from long-distance express and mail trains, aiming to improve punctuality, service frequency, and commuter comfort across the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR).
A key priority is completing the under-construction corridors between Khar Road and Dahanu, enabling suburban trains to run independently. Progress is already visible — the sixth line between Bandra Terminus (Khar) and Goregaon was commissioned in November 2023, followed by the Goregaon–Kandivli stretch in October 2024. The Kandivli–Borivli section is set for completion by October 2025, creating a dedicated Bandra Terminus–Borivli suburban corridor.
The next phase targets the addition of two new lines between Bandra and Mumbai Central by August 2027, easing pressure on one of India’s busiest rail sections. Further north, plans for a fifth and sixth line between Borivli and Virar are in the sanctioning stage, with a December 2027 deadline. Between Virar and Dahanu, the construction of a third and fourth line by December 2026 will remove a critical bottleneck.
The blueprint also includes extending the Harbour line from Goregaon to Borivli by December 2027, offering new travel options for western suburban commuters. Officials say these upgrades will boost capacity, cut delays, and support sustainable mobility by encouraging public transport use, reducing road congestion, and emissions.
Urban mobility experts believe timely execution could reshape commuting patterns, delivering shorter waits, smoother rides, and greater reliability. For millions who rely on suburban trains daily, this plan represents a vital step towards a faster, greener, and more resilient transport system for Mumbai.
Source: Urban Acres
