In a potential boost to urban transport collaboration, Melbourne is exploring Mumbai’s rail financing playbook. Former Managing Director of Mumbai Rail Vikas Corporation (MRVC) Dr PC Sehgal, earlier this week, held discussions on adapting the funding model pioneered by MRVC for Australian conditions.

The talks focused on how MRVC’s hybrid financing structure—built on contributions from the central government and the state, supplemented by borrowings—enabled large-scale suburban rail upgrades in Mumbai. Officials believe a similar approach could help Melbourne overcome funding constraints for mass transit expansion.