Maharashtra Gets ₹23,926 Crore Boost in Rail Projects: Focus from Local Trains to Bullet Train

Mumbai: The Union Railway Budget 2026–27 has sanctioned ₹23,926 crore for Maharashtra, covering multiple projects across the state, including two high-speed rail corridors. Key initiatives include doubling the existing single-line track between Mumbai and Goa, upgrading suburban networks, expanding AC local trains, constructing new tracks, and completing the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme.

MUTP 3 and Local Network Upgrades
Under the Mumbai Urban Transport Project (MUTP) 3, five major suburban projects are underway, receiving an allocation of approximately ₹462 crore. These include quadrupling the Virar-Dahanu track under Western Railway, developing the Panvel-Karjat corridor on Central Railway, constructing the Airoli-Kalwa elevated double line, introducing 238 AC locals with up to 12 coaches, and implementing trespassing control measures.

Ongoing Projects Worth ₹1,70,058 Crore
Railway development in Maharashtra includes modernizing stations, enhancing security, and extending suburban platforms for longer trains. Under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme, 132 Central Railway stations have been included, with 17 already completed at a total cost of ₹5,675 crore. KAVACH 4.0 has also been launched to improve safety, while underpasses and flyovers are being built to prevent trespassing and reduce overcrowding on trains.

Enhanced Connectivity: Vadhvan Port and Goa Line Doubling
Plans are in place to link the new Vadhvan Port to the railway network via a dedicated freight corridor connecting to Surat and further to West Bengal, boosting industrial and logistics efficiency. The long-pending demand to double the Konkan Railway line between Mumbai and Goa has now gained momentum. Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw stated that the Detailed Project Report (DPR) has been prepared and submitted for approval. If sanctioned, train capacity on the Mumbai-Goa route will double, along with strengthening tunnels, tracks, and installation of safety systems.

High-Speed Rail and Bullet Train Projects
For the ongoing Mumbai–Ahmedabad bullet train project, ₹6,103 crore has been allocated this year. The first 50 km stretch from Surat to Bilimora is expected to be completed by the end of 2026 and operational for the public in 2027. The second stretch from Vapi to Ahmedabad will finish by the end of 2027 and open in 2028. Additionally, seven new high-speed rail corridors have been announced, including Mumbai–Pune and Pune–Hyderabad, which will significantly reduce travel time between these cities.

Preparations for Nasik Kumbh Mela
Ahead of the upcoming Nasik Kumbh Mela, the railways are making extensive preparations, including new routes, additional trains, station upgrades, and improved passenger facilities to ensure smooth travel for devotees.

Officials emphasized that these projects not only reduce travel time but also generate employment, enhance safety, and improve passenger convenience across Maharashtra’s railway network.