The Maharashtra government has established a high-level task force to develop a coordinated strategy for expanding railway networks, metro services and Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS) corridors across the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR) and other major urban centres. The initiative supports the state’s long-term ‘Viksit Maharashtra 2047’ vision, with a focus on integrated and efficient public transportation.
The decision followed a meeting on October 7, chaired by the Additional Chief Secretary of the Urban Development Department, where officials discussed the need for region-specific rail transport solutions.
MRVC to Lead Planning Exercise
Mumbai Railway Vikas Corporation Ltd. (MRVC) will lead the exercise, drawing on its technical expertise and experience in railway infrastructure development. Its Chairman and Managing Director, Vilas Sopan Wadekar, has been appointed chairperson of the task force, while Sanjay Kumar, MRVC’s Chief Manager for Planning, will serve as Member Secretary.
The committee will include representatives from the Maharashtra Urban Development Department, Maharashtra Metro Rail Corporation Ltd. (Maha-Metro), Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation Ltd. (MMRCL) and Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA). The chairperson may also invite additional officials and specialists to participate in meetings when required.
Metropolitan Authorities to Contribute
Planning representatives from the City and Industrial Development Corporation of Maharashtra Ltd. (CIDCO), Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority (PMRDA), Nashik Metropolitan Region Development Authority, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar Metropolitan Region Development Authority and Nagpur Metropolitan Region Development Authority will participate as invitees. A representative of Maha Mumbai Metro Operation Corporation Ltd. will also be involved.
Assessing Future Rail Connectivity
The task force will evaluate suitable transport systems for different regions, including railway expansion, metro corridors and RRTS services. It will examine the possibility of introducing semi-high-speed rail connections between major cities, assessing operational requirements, technical feasibility and financial viability.
The panel will also identify coordination mechanisms and policy measures needed to plan and implement an integrated rail-based transport network across Maharashtra.
Its recommendations are expected to guide the state government in selecting appropriate transit systems for different urban centres and establishing a structured roadmap for future infrastructure investments. The exercise aims to align regional mobility planning with Maharashtra’s broader development objectives for 2047.
Source: The Free Press Journal
