Railways plans to increase train handling capacity in Mumbai – Here’s how

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2 min readMar 29, 2026 02:20 PM IST

Presently, about 120 originating Mail/Express trains and about 3,200 suburban trains are handled daily in Mumbai area. (Image generated using AI)

Mumbai rail network: The Ministry of Railways has planned to enhance train handling capacity in the Mumbai area. The country’s first train ran from Boribunder to Thane on April 16, 1853, on the present-day Mumbai Division of Central Railway (CR). The city also holds the distinction of operating India’s first electric train on February 3, 1925, on the Harbour Line.

The rail network in Mumbai falls under the administrative jurisdiction of two zonal railways: Central Railway and Western Railway. Presently, about 120 originating Mail/Express trains and about 3,200 suburban trains are handled daily in Mumbai area.

Increasing train handling capacity in Mumbai area

To enhance train handling capacity across the Mumbai region, the national transporter has undertaken multiple infrastructure works at 12 railway stations, including Bandra Terminus, Mumbai Central, Jogeshwari, Dadar, Vasai Road, Panvel–Kalamboli, Kalyan, LTT, Parel, Virar, Dahanu Road, and Mira Road. These works include the construction of pit lines, extension of platforms, and other related improvements.

Mumbai Area – Train Handling Capacity WorksWorks completed / taken up / planned at various stations · Indian Railways

SN Location Details

1	Bandra Terminus	3 Pit Lines completed
2	Mumbai Central	Platform extension for 24 LHB coaches
3	Jogeshwari	2 Additional Platforms
4	Dadar	1 Additional Platform
5	Vasai Road	6 Platforms 3 Pit Lines 5 Stabling Lines
6	Panvel–Kalamboli	5 Platforms 4 Pit Lines 2 Sick Lines
7	Kalyan	6 Platforms 4 Pit Lines
8	LTT	4 Platforms 2 Pit Lines
9	Parel	6 Platforms 5 Pit Lines 6 Stabling Lines
10	Virar	25 Stabling Lines
11	Dahanu Road	11 Stabling Lines
12	Mira Road	25 Stabling Lines

* Works completed / taken up / planned to increase train handling capacity in Mumbai area · Indian Railways

Extension of platform length

The Railways is also working to extend platform lengths at 34 stations to accommodate 15-car EMUs. The suburban trains are considered as the lifeline of Mumbai.

Introduction of new generation trains

The national transporter has also planned to introduce 238 rakes of 12-car trains with automatic doors under MUTP-III and IIIA, at an estimated cost of Rs 19,293 crore.

New railway line projects for increasing capacity in Mumbai

In a bid to increase the capacity of the Mumbai suburban rail network, the Mumbai Urban Transport Project (MUTP)-II (Rs 8,087 crore), MUTP-III (Rs 10,947 crore) and MUTP-IIIA (Rs 33,690 crore) have been sanctioned. These projects include following works in Mumbai Suburban Area:

Mumbai Suburban Area – Sanctioned Railway ProjectsWorks sanctioned under MUTP & other schemes · Cost in ₹ Crore

SN Name of Project Cost (₹ Cr.)

1	CSMT–Kurla 5th & 6th Line (MUTP-II) (17.5 km) MUTP-II	891
2	Mumbai Central–Borivali 6th Line (MUTP-II) (30 km) MUTP-II	919
3	Extension of Harbour Line from Goregaon–Borivali (MUTP-IIIA) (7 km) MUTP-IIIA	826
4	Borivali–Virar 5th & 6th Line (MUTP-IIIA) (26 km) MUTP-IIIA	2,184
5	Virar–Dahanu Road 3rd & 4th Line (MUTP-III) (64 km) MUTP-III	3,587
6	Panvel–Karjat Suburban Corridor (MUTP-III) (29.6 km) MUTP-III	2,782
7	Airoli–Kalwa (elevated) Suburban Corridor link (MUTP-III) (3.3 km) MUTP-III	476
8	Kalyan–Asangaon 4th Line (MUTP-IIIA) (32 km) MUTP-IIIA	1,759
9	Kalyan–Badlapur 3rd & 4th Line (MUTP-IIIA) (14 km) MUTP-IIIA	1,510
10	Kalyan–Kasara 3rd Line (67 km) Other	793
11	Naigaon–Juichandra Double Chord Line (6 km) Other	176
12	Nilaje–Kopar Double Chord Line (5 km) Other	338
13	Kalyan Yard Remodeling Work Other	866

* Projects sanctioned for Mumbai Suburban Area · Indian Railways.

Anish Mondal is a journalist with over nine years of experience covering the railways and roadways. Currently a member of the Indianexpress.com editorial team, Anish specializes in high-impact sectors. Professional Journey Anish began his career at the public broadcaster Rajya Sabha Television (now Sansad TV), where he developed a foundational understanding of legislative processes and national governance. In 2018, he transitioned to digital financial journalism at FinancialExpress.com, spending nearly six years refining his expertise in market trends and corporate reporting. Before joining The Indian Express in 2025, he served as a key contributor at ETNowNews.com. Education & Expertise Anish’s reporting is backed by a rigorous academic background in communication and the humanities: Master of Journalism and Mass Communication (MJMC) – Apeejay Stya University Post Graduate Diploma in Journalism and Production (PGTVRJP) – Apeejay Institute of Mass Communication Bachelor of Arts (English Honours) – University of Calcutta Areas of Coverage Connectivity: Detailed reporting on the expansion of Indian Railways and National Highway networks. ... Read More

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