Budget 2024: Rs 789 crore allocated for Mumbai urban transport projects

In the interim budget 2024 presented on Thursday the Mumbai Urban Transport Projects MUTP has secured a substantial allocation of Rs 789 crore signaling a boost for the expansion of Mumbais suburban railway networkFinance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman specified the allocation distribution with Rs 100 crore for MUTP second phase Rs 300 crore for MUTPIII and Rs 389 crore for MUTPIIIAThe budget allocation will further give impetus to MUTP works said Subhash Chand Gupta chairman and managing director of MRVCAll contracts for 17 station improvement works under the MUTP have been awarded and PanvelKarjat new suburban corridor project and VirarDahanu quadrupling work were proceeding on schedule he addedWe have also started groundwork of the KalyanBadlapur quadrupling project and Borivali Virar fifth and sixth lines Gupta saidIn the Union budget for FY 2324 a total of Rs 1100 crore were allocated for MUTPAlso read Budget 2024 No changes in tax rates for direct indirect taxes says SitharamanNearly 75 lakh commuters travel by suburban locals in Mumbai every dayMeanwhile Minister of Railways Communications and Electronics amp Information Technology Ashwini Vaishnaw Thursday revealed the key highlights for Western Railway in the latest budgetThe region comprising Maharashtra and Gujarat has received record allocations promising extensive developments in the railway infrastructureRecord Allocations for Maharashtra and GujaratMaharashtra has been granted a staggering Rs 15554 crores an increase of 13 times compared to the average outlay for 20092014Gujarat on the other hand receives a substantial allocation of Rs 8587 crores marking a substantial 14fold increase from the average annual outlay during 20092014Madhya Pradesh is not left behind securing Rs 15143 crores a remarkable 24 times more than the average outlay for 20092014Also read Budget 2024 FM Sitharamanrsquos shortest budget speech mentions PM Modi 8 timesRailway Expansion and UpgradesThe total budget outlay for Indian Railways stands at a whopping Rs 252000 crores reflecting the governments commitment to enhancing the nations rail networkOver the last decade an impressive 26000 kilometers of rail network has been added emphasizing the relentless efforts in expanding connectivityManufacturing prowess is showcased with the production of one Vande Bharat train every week with these trains boasting over 100 percent capacity utilization The Amrit Bharat trains are also thriving running at an impressive 160 percent occupancyNotably the Vande Bharat sleeper train is on the horizon indicating a continued focus on technological advancements and passenger comfortAlso read Budget 2024 No tax incentives for homebuyers real estate continues to lack industry statusStrategic Corridor ProgramsSitharaman highlighted three major railway corridor programs that will be implemented Energy mineral and cement corridor Portconnectivity corridor Hightraffic density corridorThese corridors are envisioned to enhance logistics efficiency reduce costs and improve safety for passenger trainsSignificant Allocations for Construction and DevelopmentThe proposed outlay for Western Railway is an impressive Rs 18093 crores showcasing a 1237 increase compared to the previous fiscal yearMaharashtra is set to witness major developments with a notable allocation of Rs 15554 crores ensuring robust growth in the states railway infrastructureFocus on Mumbai Urban TransportationUnder the proposed outlay Mumbai Urban Transportation MUTP Works receive substantial attention with a total allocation of Rs 78888 croresThis allocation is expected to further strengthen Mumbais urban railway networkKey Projects in Maharashtra and GujaratSeveral major projects are in the pipeline including quadrupling the SamakhialiGandhidham route a new port connectivity project and the BhildiViramgam initiative all contributing to the comprehensive expansion of railway networksAlso Read Interim Budget 2024 is balanced and promising Experts from Indiarsquos beauty sector reactInvestments in Safety and Customer AmenitiesThe budget emphasizes safety with allocations for Road Over Bridges Road Under Bridges Level Crossings signaling and telecommunicationA significant allocation of Rs 1135 crores is dedicated to customer amenities ensuring improved services and facilities for railway passengersTowards a Sustainable FutureThe budget reflects a commitment to environmental sustainability with an estimated investment of Rs 9375 crores in solar power worksAdditionally infrastructure development for energyefficient Vande Bharat sleeper trains is in progressThe proposed budget signals a robust roadmap for the development of the railway sector in Maharashtra and Gujarat promising enhanced connectivity upgraded facilities and a sustainable futureAlso Read Budget 2024 evokes mixed reactions from hospitality healthcare and AI sectors