Railway Board Chairman Directs Timely Completion of Ongoing Projects, Emphasizes Safety and Passenger Convenience

Strategic Insights -

Railway Board Chairman Satish Kumar has directed all departments involved in railway infrastructure to ensure the timely completion of ongoing capacity augmentation projects, with a specific focus on increasing the number of suburban trains in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region. A prototype of a non-AC closed-door local train is being made at ICF and is expected to arrive in Mumbai around December or January. Kumar also reviewed the progress of several key infrastructure projects and emphasized their on-schedule completion. He also directed that more 12-coach suburban trains be converted to 15-coach rakes to accommodate the growing passenger demand.

Key Takeaways:

  • Satish Kumar has directed all departments to ensure timely completion of ongoing capacity augmentation projects, with a focus on increasing suburban trains in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region.
  • A prototype of a non-AC closed-door local train is being made at ICF and is expected to arrive in Mumbai around December or January.
  • Kumar reviewed the progress of several key infrastructure projects, including the 5th and 6th line corridor between Mumbai Central and Borivali, and emphasized their on-schedule completion.
  • The chairman directed the conversion of 12-coach suburban trains to 15-coach rakes to accommodate growing passenger demand.
  • He also directed the expansion of Mail and Express trains and the launch of new long-distance services.
  • The Jogeshwari terminus is expected to be completed within this financial year, allowing for the operation of around a dozen pairs of long-distance Mail/Express trains.
  • The Vasai terminus is expected to be ready in the next two to three years, enabling further expansion of long-distance services.

Statistics:

  • 17 suburban stations are being upgraded under the station improvement program.
  • The Harbour Line extension and laying of additional tracks between Borivali and Virar will boost suburban train capacity.
  • The redeveloped CSMT station is expected to accommodate increased passenger traffic.
  • 12-coach suburban trains will be converted to 15-coach rakes to accommodate growing passenger demand.
  • Around a dozen pairs of long-distance Mail/Express trains will operate from the new Jogeshwari terminus.

Sources:

  • Indian National Press (Bombay) Pvt. Ltd., December 2025
  • Contify.com, distributed by Indian National Press (Bombay) Pvt. Ltd., December 2025