Mumbai to get 268 AC local trains; Fadnavis says fare will be same as that of non-AC trains

Calling it a “turning point” for Mumbai’s lifeline, Fadnavis said the new rakes would be fitted with closed doors, automatic systems and metro-style facilities, and will gradually replace the older, doorless trains that remain in service across the western and central lines.

“This is about commuter safety, comfort, and speed. Most importantly, there will be no change in ticket fares,” the chief minister said, adding that the procurement would begin once the Centre gives its nod.

At present, Mumbai runs a limited number of AC local trains with higher fares. Because of operational issues, most  AC trains are usually delayed or create problems for non-AC trains’ schedules.

With 268 trains sanctioned under the Mumbai Urban Transport Project Phase 3 and 3A, officials said the suburban network would undergo a phased transformation over the next few years.

“The aim is to make air-conditioned travel the norm rather than the exception, while reducing overcrowding and accidents,” Fadnavis said.

While the AC locals dominated Tuesday’s meeting, it also approved several other transport and development projects, including Mumbai Metro’s Line 11, a 16-km fully underground route linking Wadala Depot to Gateway of India via Horniman Circle. The Rs 24,000-crore project will be funded by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), while a joint development initiative with BEST will create a commercial complex to boost revenue for the transport utility.

A 25-km elevated road connecting Thane with the upcoming Navi Mumbai International Airport, expected to provide faster and dedicated connectivity for commuters and industrial zones, also got approval.

In Pune, the Government cleared the construction of the third and fourth railway lines on the Pune–Lonavala corridor along with two new stations—Balajinagar–Bibwewadi and Swargate–Katraj —under Phase I of Pune Metro.

Nagpur too figured in the infrastructure push, with approval granted for a new ring road and a planned township, which the chief minister described as “a new chapter in the city’s growth”.

Editor's Choice

Donald Trump meets Zelenskyy at White House days after talks with Putin over Ukraine

PM Modi thanks Putin for sharing insights on Alaska talks with Trump, reiterates call for peace in Ukraine

BJP wields its Tamil card, calls V-P nomination for C P Radhakrishnan ‘a moment of pride’ for state