August 4, 2025: In a bid to tackle rising passenger demand on Mumbai’s crowded suburban rail network, Railway Board Chairman and CEO Satish Kumar has stressed the need to introduce 15-coach local trains to maximise capacity. During an inspection of Khar Road station’s upgrade works, Kumar recommended that all modernised platforms be designed to accommodate 15-coach rakes wherever feasible.
Kumar’s directive is part of a larger initiative to modernise railway infrastructure and improve commuter convenience in India’s rapidly growing urban centres. His visit to Khar Road Station on Saturday began late in the evening, with his train arriving in Mumbai at 10:05 PM. By 10:40 PM, he was on-site, inspecting Station Improvement Works until 11:20 PM. Expressing satisfaction with the progress, Kumar praised the Mumbai Railway Vikas Corporation (MRVC) for its work.
The Khar Road upgrade, costing Rs 85 crore, is the first station to be revamped under the Rs 950 crore Mumbai Urban Transport Project (MUTP) 3A, which aims to modernise 17 of Mumbai’s busiest suburban stations. Kumar also urged Western Railway officials to maintain the upgraded facilities to high standards.
On Sunday, Kumar travelled to Nashik to review preparations for the 2027 Kumbh Mela. Sources reported that preparations are progressing swiftly. Central Railway has sanctioned 33 projects linked to the mega religious event, with tenders issued for 22 and seven already finalised. The Nashik Kumbh Mela is scheduled for 2027 and is expected to attract millions of devotees, making railway readiness a critical factor for smooth operations.
This dual focus on boosting suburban capacity and preparing for large-scale events highlights the Railway Board’s commitment to strengthening infrastructure for both daily commuters and special occasions.
Source: The Free Press Journal
