Central Railway plans 584 additional suburban services in Mumbai

The Central Railway on Saturday announced a major plan to expand coaching terminals in Mumbai as part of a nationwide effort to double trainhandling capacity in major cities by 2030 an official statement saidThe move aims to meet rising passenger demand and reduce congestionUnion Minister for Railways Ashwini Vaishnaw said the expansion of coaching terminals and infrastructure would significantly improve the railway network and nationwide connectivityMajor Upgrades for Mumbai Suburban ServicesCentral Railway currently operates 1820 suburban train services daily in Mumbai After the completion of the planned works the network is expected to support an additional 584 suburban servicesKey projects include the extension of platforms at 34 stations to accommodate 15coach trains on the CSMTKalyan fast corridor remodelling of Kalyan yard construction of fifth and sixth lines between Parel and Kurla and the addition of third and fourth lines on the KalyanKasara and KalyanKarjat routesPlatform reconstruction work is also planned at Panvel along with the development of a new suburban corridor between Karjat and PanvelExpansion of Mail and Express train capacityAt present Central Railway handles 82 originating Mail and Express trains from Mumbai The expansion is expected to allow an additional 30 primarymaintained trains and 38 platformreturned trainsComprehensive infrastructure upgrades plannedTo achieve the capacity expansion Central Railway will augment existing terminals with additional platforms stabling lines pit lines and improved shunting facilities New terminals will also be developed in and around urban areasMaintenance infrastructure including mega coaching complexes will be strengthened Sectional capacity will be enhanced through traffic facility works signalling upgrades and multitracking to handle increased train movementWhile upgrading terminals nearby stations will also be developed to ensure balanced capacity across the networkFocus on suburban and longdistance trainsThe expansion plan will cover both suburban and nonsuburban services keeping in mind the different requirements of each A comprehensive plan covering 48 major cities across the country is currently under considerationCapacity will be increased progressively over the next five years with actions classified into immediate shortterm and longterm measures to ensure early benefits for passengersNew mega coaching terminalsSeveral new mega coaching terminals are under development to support the increased capacity including the followingPanvelKalamboli Five platforms at Panvel with pit lines stabling lines sick lines and transfer lines at KalamboliKalyan Six platforms with additional pit lines and sick lines relocation of the goods yard is underwayParel A phased project with new platforms stabling lines pit lines and sick linesLokmanya Tilak Terminus Terminal 2 Four platforms pit lines stabling lines shunting necks and sick sidings work is being processedIdentified cities under Central RailwayUnder Central Railway Mumbai Pune and Nagpur have been identified for capacity enhancement as part of the national planOfficials said the expansion will help reduce congestion improve punctuality and offer a better travel experience for passengers