Latest news with #MumbaiUrbanTransportProject
Hindustan Times
5 days ago
- Business
- Hindustan Times
238 AC locals, automatic closed door non-AC coaches, new terminuses
MUMBAI: Two years after tenders to procure air-conditioned (AC) locals were floated and quickly withdrawn (the railways could not furnish cogent reasons for it), the Indian Railways (IR) cleared the decks to procure 238 AC local trains. On Monday, the chairman and chief executive officer (CEO) of the Railway Board, Satish Kumar, held a series of meetings with officials from the central railways (CR) and western railways (WR) to chalk out the modalities of the way forward. Mumbai, India - Aug. 4, 2025: (L to R) CR GM Dharamveer Meena, Chairman of Indian railway Satish Kumar, poses for media at iconic heritage building lobby at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus, before leaving for Jogeshwari railway station, in Mumbai, India, on Monday, August 4, 2025. (Photo by Anshuman Poyrekar/ Hindustan Times) (Hindustan Times) Kumar also announced that the prototype of an automatic door closure mechanism in non-AC local trains will be ready by December and made operational gradually. AC locals for Mumbai The need for more AC local trains in Mumbai's suburban network has been gaining traction over a period of time, as it facilitates ease of travel. Elucidating about the present move, Kumar said, 'We are planning 238 12-car AC local trains. We have ironed out all the challenges (regarding the tendering process) and will soon call for tenders.' CR presently operates 80 services ferrying an average of 79,000 commuters daily while WR runs 109 services that cater to 1.25 lakh commuters on an average daily. The move to acquire the AC locals comes on the back of a promise made by union railway minister Ashwini Vaishnaw earlier this year. It was stuck purportedly following protests by passenger groups against exorbitant ticket pricing. The project falls under Mumbai Urban Transport Project (MUTP). According to the plan, MUTP-3 aims to procure 47 AC local trains at an estimated cost of ₹3,491 crore, while MUTP-3A envisions 191 trains at ₹15,802 crore. In June 2023, the Mumbai Rail Vikas Corporation (MRVC) floated global tenders for the project but the decision was deferred, leaving the procurement in limbo. Meanwhile, Kumar said, automatic closed door non-AC trains will be operational by the end of 2025. The prototype is being manufactured at the Integral Coach Factory in Chennai, and after its success is ascertained, it will be expanded to the rest of the fleet. A CR official told HT that a similar prototype stands in the Kurla car shed, which is also an option. The railways will also augment the present 12-car trains to 15-car ones in order to accommodate more commuters. Integrating suburban and metro trains In Monday's meeting, the need for multi-modal integration (MMI) was also discussed, in which authorities discussed Khar and Ghatkopar stations. In Khar, for instance, an additional 5000 square meter area has been created through an elevated deck above the platforms where shops and other commercial hubs will be created. Kumar discussed similar large spaces at all railway stations which will merge with respective upcoming metro lines. 'We will carry out a detailed survey of the railway stations where integration with metro rail lines is required. This has already been implemented in a few stations – for instance, at Ghatkopar work on two concourses (to create more entry and exit points between the metro and railway station) are underway, with one being recently completed. Work on the remaining two can be carried out only at night because of passenger movement through the day,' said Kumar. The survey is likely to include a study of passenger footfall, travel pattern, among other factors. The MMI facilities are implemented within a 500-metre radius of each metro station. More rail terminuses in MMR Bearing in mind the 2027 Kumbh Mela in Nashik, IR is planning to roll out extra trains and enhance railway infrastructure. Kumbh preparedness will cost IR ₹1100 crore, most of it going to redevelop Nashik station and others around it. 'We have to run more trains, for which it is important to improve rail infra,' added Kumar. On Monday, rail authorities also highlighted the various stages of progress of new rail terminuses across Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR). Kumar charted out the requirement of mega rail terminuses at Jogeshwari, Panvel, Kalyan and Vasai, apart from upgrading the existing ones such as CSMT which is being redeveloped at the cost of ₹2500 crore. When questioned about the delay in the pace of work, Kumar pointed out that 'ongoing works are being carried out at stations and not a greenfield, for which railways have to ensure rail traffic is not disturbed, which makes it challenging'. Kumar added that the work at CSMT will be speeded up.
News18
01-08-2025
- Business
- News18
Mumbai: Nalasopara Station Gets A New Elevated Deck, Know More
Last Updated: Nalasopara is just one of 17 suburban stations being redeveloped under the Rs 947 crore MUTP 3A project. The Mumbai Railway Vikas Corporation (MRVC) has completed a new 95-metre long and 11.5-metre wide elevated deck at Platform Number One of Nalasopara station. This elevated walkway connects the two southernmost foot overbridges (FOBs), helping reduce crowding and easing the flow of passengers. Handling over 1.83 lakh passengers and 440 suburban trains every day, Nalasopara is one of the busiest stations on Mumbai's Western Line. The new deck is expected to improve safety and comfort for commuters. What's Next for the Station? This project is part of a larger station improvement plan under the Mumbai Urban Transport Project (MUTP) 3A. The redevelopment of Nalasopara will continue with the construction of another elevated deck connecting all platforms, a new platform on the western side, four more escalators and three lifts. As per Mumbai Live, Sunil G Udasi, Chief Public Relations Officer of MRVC, said, 'This is a big step towards reimagining Mumbai's suburban railway experience. We're not just reducing congestion, but also building safer and more accessible stations for all." Nalasopara is just one of 17 stations being redeveloped under MUTP 3A, which has a total budget of Rs 947 crore. Seven stations on the Western Line, including Kandivali, Mira Road, Bhayander and Vasai, are also being upgraded. Meanwhile, ten stations on the Central and Harbour lines are undergoing similar changes. What Will Improve for Commuters? Under MUTP 3A, all revamped stations will get better entry and exit points, brighter lighting, modern ticket counters, improved security, new FOBs, lifts, and escalators. view comments First Published: Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Time of India
26-07-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Mumbai's Suburban Rail Network gets a ₹52,724-crore boost
Advt By , ETInfra Mumbai's suburban railway network is set to get a boost, with the Railways Ministry sanctioning multiple projects totaling ₹52,724 crore under the Mumbai Urban Transport Project (MUTP) schemes. These initiatives aim to significantly improve connectivity and meet the ever-growing demands of the city's commuters, the official statement expansion under the project includes MUTP-II with a budget outlay of ₹8,087 crore, MUTP-III (₹10,947 crore), and MUTP-IIIA (₹33,690 crore).According to the ministry, key works under MUTP-III involve the Panvel-Karjat line, quadrupling of the Virar-Dahanu section, the Airoli-Kalwa Elevated Corridor, trespass control measures, and the procurement of new rolling stock These projects, alongside the 5th and 6th lines between Borivali-Virar and the 3rd and 4th lines between Kalyan-Badlapur, are being executed by Mumbai Railway Vikas Corporation Ltd ( MRVC Ltd ).MRVC Ltd, a joint venture between the Ministry of Railways (MoR) and the Government of Maharashtra (GoM), operates on a 50:50 cost-sharing multi-tracking efforts are also underway on existing busy corridors:Work has been sanctioned to expand to 4 lines between Churchgate to Mumbai Central, 8 lines between Mumbai Central to Borivali, and 6 lines between Borivali to 5th and 6th line between CSMT-Kurla has been sanctioned, with work already progressing on the Kurla-Parel section. Additionally, two extra lines exist on the CSMT-Kurla-Vasai-Panvel further bolster suburban rail capacity , a total of 238 new 12-car rakes have been sanctioned under MUTP-III & IIIA, representing an investment of ₹19,293 Ministry of Railways is actively supporting integration with metro authorities (MMRDA) to ensure seamless intermodal connectivity. Currently, Andheri East and Ghatkopar Railway stations are successfully integrated with their respective metro stations.
Time of India
27-06-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Roadmap for MUTP-IV to boost commuter safety & connectivity
Mumbai: The Mumbai Railway Vikas Corporation (MRVC) has set the ball rolling for a comprehensive technical study to define the blueprint for the fourth phase of the Mumbai Urban Transport Project (MUTP-IV). The goal is to boost safety, expand network capacity, and modernise the city's vital suburban rail system. Mumbai's suburban rail spans 385km across three Central Railway corridors — including the Harbour Line — and one Western Railway corridor. With MUTP-I completed, MUTP-II nearing conclusion, and MUTP-III and IIIA underway, MRVC is setting the stage for a long-term upgrade aligned with its "Mission Zero Death" initiative. The study, to be carried out by a consultant selected via competitive bidding, will draft Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) for selected schemes and evaluate their financial and operational viability. The consultant will also examine international best practices in suburban transport planning. You Can Also Check: Mumbai AQI | Weather in Mumbai | Bank Holidays in Mumbai | Public Holidays in Mumbai A key focus is forecasting travel demand up to 2047, identifying new corridors, and decongesting existing ones. The feasibility of interoperable train services between Central and Western Railways — aimed at seamless east-west connectivity across the Mumbai Metropolitan Region — will also be assessed. To ease overcrowding, the study will simulate the deployment of 12- and 15-car rakes, explore faster rake acceleration, and recommend signalling upgrades such as Kavach 5.0 to reduce headways. Increasing the number of air-conditioned EMUs is also on the agenda to improve commuter comfort and drive a shift from road to rail. With around 2,500 annual fatalities on the suburban network due to falls, trespassing, and poor station access, the study will recommend interventions such as access control, improved pedestrian movement, and upgraded station infrastructure. Station improvements are a major component. While 17 stations are already being redeveloped under MUTP-IIIA, nearly 40 more are under review for upgrades, including platform extensions, new FOBs, escalators, lifts, and better intermodal connectivity within a 300-metre radius. MRVC chairman and Managing Director Vilas Wadekar said, "Under MUTP Phase IV, MRVC aims to take a transformative leap towards a safer, smarter, and more resilient urban transport ecosystem. Our vision is anchored in achieving 'Mission Zero Death', eliminating monsoon disruptions, and expanding network coverage to growth centres like the Third Mumbai area."
NDTV
09-06-2025
- General
- NDTV
After Thane Train Mishap, Railways To Deploy Closed-Door Non-AC Rake By January
Quick Read Summary is AI generated, newsroom reviewed. Following the Mumbra train tragedy, the railways will redesign suburban trains to include automatic door closures by January. New designs will enhance ventilation and safety, addressing past suffocation issues while improving passenger comfort and movement. Mumbai: In the aftermath of the Mumbra train incident in which four persons were killed and nine injured on Monday morning, the railways said it would redesign a suburban rake to install automatic door closure systems by November and induct it into service by January next year. At least four commuters, including a GRP constable, died and nine were injured when 13 passengers fell after those hanging from the footboard of two overcrowded trains and their backpacks brushed against each other as the trains passed in opposite directions. Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw and senior Railway Board functionaries held an urgent meeting with the Chennai-based Integral Coach Factory (ICF) team to find a practical solution to the challenges surrounding automatic door closing systems in non-AC local trains operating in Mumbai, officials said. After detailed deliberations, it was decided that a new design for non-AC suburban coaches would be developed to resolve the ventilation issue through three major design modifications, a Central Railway official said here. ""First, the new coaches will feature louvers on the doors to allow natural airflow even when the doors are closed. Second, roof-mounted ventilation units will be installed to pump fresh air into the coaches. And third, vestibules will be added between coaches to enable passenger movement and better distribution of the crowd inside the train," the official said. This new trainset will be in addition to the ongoing production of 238 air-conditioned (AC) local trains being manufactured under Mumbai Urban Transport Project (MUTP), he informed. The primary concern with automatic door closing in non-AC coaches is the issue of suffocation due to reduced ventilation, which has raised serious safety and comfort concerns among commuters, officials said. They pointed out that an automatic door closure system was tested on a suburban local on Western Railway a decade ago but it failed due to suffocation complaints from passengers as well as other issues. Presently, Central Railway has 157 suburban locals, including seven AC locals, while Western Railway has 95 suburban locals, of which eight are air-conditioned locals. CR operates 1810 services every day. The figure is 1406 for Western Railway. More than 75 lakh passengers use these 3200-odd services every day, making the network the largest public transporter in the city and among the biggest of its kind anywhere in the world. (Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)
