January 8, 2026: Maharashtra has emerged as India’s leading state in railway infrastructure development, with 35 major projects currently under implementation at an estimated investment of around Rs 3.5 lakh crore, according to data from the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI). The projects span a wide spectrum of works, ranging from suburban rail expansion and new line construction to gauge conversion, multi-tracking and large-scale station redevelopment.
At the heart of this push is the Mumbai Urban Transport Project (MUTP) Phase III A, the single largest railway project in the state, with an estimated cost of Rs 33,600 crore. The project aims to significantly boost capacity on Mumbai’s overstretched suburban network, enhance commuter safety and ease chronic congestion on some of the country’s busiest rail corridors.
Railway development is not limited to the Mumbai Metropolitan Region. Several major initiatives are underway across Vidarbha and other parts of Maharashtra to strengthen regional connectivity and freight movement. These include gauge conversion on the Nagpur–Nagbhid line, extension of the Pachora–Jamner line up to Malkapur, construction of a fourth railway line between Wardha and Nagpur, and a third line between Wardha and Ballarshah. Together, these projects are expected to improve passenger mobility, support industrial growth and strengthen logistics efficiency across the state.
Station redevelopment forms a key pillar of Maharashtra’s rail modernisation strategy. The renovation of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) in Mumbai alone is estimated to cost Rs 1,813 crore, with a focus on blending modern passenger facilities with the preservation of the station’s iconic heritage architecture. Alongside this, smaller stations are being upgraded, signalling systems modernised, and passenger amenities enhanced to improve the overall travel experience.
In comparison, Maharashtra’s scale of railway investment far exceeds that of other major states. Andhra Pradesh has 27 projects worth about Rs 60,620 crore, Uttar Pradesh’s 26 projects total around Rs 1.67 lakh crore, Gujarat’s 27 projects are valued at roughly Rs 2.62 lakh crore, while Bihar’s 26 projects are estimated at Rs 57,000 crore.
The current project pipeline reflects a decade-long trend of rising rail investment in Maharashtra, supporting faster approvals, continuous track upgrades, and steady expansion of suburban and regional networks. These efforts align closely with national priorities of easing congestion, improving freight efficiency, and delivering safer, more reliable commuter rail services across both urban and rural regions.
