The series of projects aimed at upgrading Mumbai’s public transport has formally entered its fourth phase. First launched in 2002, the Mumbai Urban Transport Project (MUTP) has transformed the design of Mumbai’s local trains, introduced new rolling stock, and constructed additional corridors.

The Mumbai Railway Vikas Corporation (MRVC), the city’s rail project authority, has commissioned a study for MUTP-4. This phase includes ambitious plans such as direct train connectivity between Central and Western Railways, new local corridors spanning the entire Mumbai metropolitan area, advanced safety systems like Kavach and Communication-Based Train Control (CBTC), and an increased deployment of 15-car and air-conditioned trains.

“MUTP-4 will integrate transport planning with MMRDA’s Comprehensive Transport Study 2021, and also include new-age developments in Indian Railways such as Kavach 5.0, CBTC (cab signalling), AC local trains, 15-car trains, and more,” a senior official said.