December 26, 2025: Mumbai’s suburban rail system, the backbone of daily mobility in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR), is set to undergo a major transformation with infrastructure projects worth ₹18,364.94 crore currently planned or under execution across the Central and Western Railways. The large-scale overhaul aims to address rising passenger demand, expand network capacity, and improve service reliability across Mumbai and its adjoining districts.
According to railway officials, projects spanning over 400.53 kilometres are at various stages of execution, including new rail lines, route extensions, and upgrades to existing corridors. “The demand for train services on different routes is ever increasing and to provide better services for ease of travel, in Mumbai and suburbs, various Railway projects covering a total stretch of 400.53 kms at a total estimated cost of Rs.18,364.94 crores have been planned are in different stages of execution including construction/extension of rail routes and upgradation of existing services,” the CR-WR said on Thursday.
Among the key projects is the Panvel–Karjat Suburban Corridor under MUTP-III, covering 29.6 track kilometres at an estimated cost of ₹2,782 crore. Executed by Mumbai Railway Vikas Corporation Ltd, the project is expected to significantly improve connectivity between Navi Mumbai and the extended suburban network. Another critical initiative is the CSMT–Kurla 5th and 6th line project under MUTP-II, spanning 17.5 kilometres at a cost of ₹891 crore and being implemented in phases.
On the Central Railway side, multiple capacity augmentation works are underway, including the Kalyan–Asangaon 4th line, Kalyan–Badlapur 3rd and 4th lines, and the Kalyan–Kasara 3rd line. Additional projects such as the Badlapur–Karjat and Asangaon–Kasara line expansions, aim to ease congestion on long-distance suburban routes.
Western Railway projects include the Mumbai Central–Borivali 6th line, Borivali–Virar 5th and 6th lines, and the Virar–Dahanu 3rd and 4th lines. Together, these initiatives are expected to enhance train frequency, reduce overcrowding, and future-proof Mumbai’s suburban rail network for sustained urban growth.
Source: Deccan Herald
