Maharashtra Rail 2.0: The ₹90k Crore Makeover

The Central government has approved railway projects worth ₹89,780 crore in Maharashtra, encompassing 38 projects with a total length of 5,098 km. These projects, sanctioned as of April 1, 2025, include 11 new railway lines, two gauge conversion works, and 25 track-doubling projects aimed at expanding rail capacity across the state.

In addition, over the past three financial years (2022–2025), the Centre has sanctioned 98 railway surveys covering a cumulative length of 8,603 km. These comprise 29 surveys for new railway lines, two for gauge conversion, and 67 for doubling works. Platform extension projects have also been initiated at 34 stations to enable operations of 15-car electric multiple unit (EMU) trains.

To further strengthen the Mumbai suburban rail network, major initiatives under the Mumbai Urban Transport Project (MUTP)—including MUTP-II, MUTP-III, and MUTP-IIIA—have been approved. These projects involve the procurement of 238 new 12-car trains equipped with automatic doors, at a combined cost of ₹19,293 crore. Additionally, nearly 12 percent of the Western Dedicated Freight Corridor passes through Maharashtra, with several sections already commissioned, enhancing freight movement efficiency in the region.

News by Rahul Yelligetti.