Rebuilding the lifeline of a city that never stops

For over twenty million Mumbaikars the local train is not just transport mdash it is routine resilience and reliability The suburban railway network here is more than infrastructure it is the cityrsquos pulse Every morning before dawn platforms fill with people chasing livelihoods and aspirations Every night the last local carries home a city that refuses to slow downKeeping this vast system safe reliable and capable of handling rising demand is one of the most complex urban mobility challenges anywhere in the world As the city grows denser and faster Western and Central Railway are undertaking a quiet but determined transformation to expand capacity modernise stations improve safety and make everyday commuting more humane Over the last few years we have undertaken one of the most intensive phases of upgradation in Mumbairsquos suburban rail history mdash not through isolated projects but through a coordinated systemwide approachMumbairsquos suburban railway operates at one of the highest densities globally Western Railway WR runs over 1400 suburban services daily while Central Railway CR operates around 1810 services across its Main Line Harbour Line and TransHarbour corridors With limited land and evergrowing demand capacity expansion requires precision planningExpanding capacityWorking towards realising the vision of the Prime Ministerrsquos Viksit Bharat all efforts are being undertaken to develop railway infrastructure in Mumbai Multiple projects worth more than Rs 8000 crore are currently underway to transform the way our esteemed commuters travel in our suburban system by adding critical capacity and extending reach across congested corridors The BorivliVirar and VirarDahanu Road expansions will segregate suburban and mainline traffic on WRrsquos northern stretches enabling significantly more local services The PanvelKarjat corridor will create a vital link reducing travel time by nearly 30 minutes while easing pressure on the main Central line The KalyanAsangaon and KalyanBadlapur projects address critical bottlenecks where existing tracks operate beyond 150 per cent capacity These multiple new infrastructure and network expansion projects are expected to create more than 30 per cent new capacity for our suburban commuters over the next four to five yearsStations that workTracks and trains alone cannot solve congestion unless stations are redesigned for current realities Many of Mumbairsquos stations were built decades ago and today handle footfall far beyond their original capacity Under MUTP3A and the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme major stations across both railway zones are being comprehensively upgraded The focus is on wide elevated decks additional foot overbridges escalators lifts better lighting clearer signage and smoother passenger circulation Moreover in 202425 alone more than R500 crore was invested in enhancing and upgrading passenger amenities facilities across Mumbai divisions of CR and WR with special emphasis on platform raising and extension provision of lifts and escalators and other key facilitiesKhar Road station on the WR has emerged as a benchmark with its large elevated deck easing platform congestion Similar upgrades are underway at Kandivli Mira Road Bhayandar Vasai Nallasopara and Santacruz On CR stations such as Dombivli Ghatkopar Mulund Bhandup Chembur Govandi and Mankhurd are witnessing visible improvementsAt Virar a new home platform is being constructed to accommodate 15coach trains while stations along the VirarDahanu corridor are being upgraded with improved booking offices foot overbridges lighting and amenitiesAccessibility is essentialAccessibility has become a central pillar of station development Hundreds of lifts and escalators have been installed across suburban stations making daily travel easier for senior citizens persons with disabilities pregnant women and families Over 748 lifts and escalators are now digitally monitored through a centralised system allowing realtime tracking and quicker restoration in case of faults This shift from reactive to proactive maintenance has significantly improved reliabilityInfrastructure improvements include the installation of ramps tactile tiles at platform edges to prevent Divyangjan passengers from falling onto tracks and dedicated Divyangjan and senior citizen compartments with signage painted on coach interfaces for easy identification Recent station upgrades prioritise accessibility with features like disabilityfriendly counters and tactile pathways for seamless movement representing ongoing efforts to transform one of the worldrsquos busiest commuter networks into a more accessible system for all passengersOver the last seven to eight years there has been a renewed focus on building new as well as renovating old road overbridges ROBs and foot overbridges FOBs to provide more freedom and convenience of travel In recent years in collaboration with local authorities we have dismantled and reconstructed 29 ROBs and 111 FOBs and more are underwayModern rolling stockPassenger safety remains paramount The transition towards automatic doors on suburban trains along with the induction of newgeneration rakes marks a significant step in reducing accidents caused by overcrowding and unsafe boarding Mumbais closeddoor AC local trains represent a transformative upgrade for the citys 80 lakh daily commuters The automatic door system dramatically enhances safety by preventing passengers from hanging on footboards or boarding moving trains mdash dangerous practices Beyond safety AC coaches offer superior travel comfort with regulated temperature reduced noise and protected interiors that shield passengers from extreme heat and monsoon conditionsThe daily average AC local ridership in Mumbai more than doubled from 99000 in 202223 to 248000 in 202526 clearly underscoring the increasing patronisation by our esteemed commuters The closed environment ensures cleaner air circulation and dignity during crowded peak hours Given Mumbairsquos growing population and commuter expectations transitioning to a fully AC suburban system in a phased manner is considered to be an essentiality It would standardise safety protocols across all services provide consistent comfort regardless of ticket type and position Mumbairsquos railway network as a worldclass transport system befitting Indias financial capital At the same time nonAC services continue to be strengthened to ensure affordability and inclusivityDigital toolsTechnology is quietly reshaping how commuters interact with the railway system UPI and QRcode payments are now available at booking counters ATVMs and POS machinesThe UTS on Mobile app has reduced queues and simplified ticketing during peak hours and is now being integrated with the Rail One App The Mumbai One app and Mumbai 1 Smart Card have taken integration a step further allowing seamless travel across suburban rail Metro Monorail and city buses Realtime train indicators improved public announcement systems and centralised monitoring of amenities ensure commuters are better informed and issues are addressed fasterTicket checking has also been reimagined Initiatives such as the NAMASTE Abhiyan focus on combining firmness with dignity Ticketchecking staff are equipped with handheld terminals while bodyworn cameras and CCTVmonitored areas enhance transparency and safety reducing friction between staff and passengers Dedicated squads are ensuring that ticketless travel is discouraged both in AC and NonAC servicesNatural partnerMumbairsquos expanding Metro network particularly the fully operational Aqua Line 3 has emerged as a strong complementary mode By absorbing short and mediumdistance trips through dense commercial corridors Metro services help reduce pressure on suburban trains Integrated ticketing ensures commuters experience public transport as one connected systemRoad aheadMumbairsquos suburban railway system must continuously evolve to match the city it serves Capacity expansion modern stations passenger amenities digital convenience safety upgrades and Metro integration are not isolated initiatives mdash they are parts of one longterm vision and we will strive to achieve them It is always heartening to see the immense support we get from our passengers and we expect this to continue As users we have a collective responsibility to maintain the cleanliness of our railway stations Simple acts like disposing of waste in dustbins not spitting on platforms avoiding littering and reporting unhygienic conditions can transform our stations into cleaner healthier spaces When we treat our railway stations with the same care we show our homes we not only create a more pleasant commuting experience for ourselves but also demonstrate respect for fellow passengers railway staff and our cityMumbai moves because its local trains move Strengthening this lifeline remains our unwavering commitment mdash today and for the decades to comeVivek Kumar Gupta is the General Manager Western and Central RailwaySend your feedback to mailbagmiddaycom