AC locals, new lines and bullet trains: How Budget 2026 plans to transform Mumbai rail travel

Mumbai’s rail network is set for a major upgrade after the Union Budget 2026–27 earmarked ₹1.70 lakh crore for projects linked to the city and the wider Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR). The allocation forms part of a broader rail outlay of ₹23,926 crore for Maharashtra and rail corridors connected to the state, according to information shared by Western Railway on X.

The funding is aimed at easing congestion, expanding capacity and improving safety across suburban, intercity and high-speed rail networks. Officials said the focus remains on modernising Mumbai’s overstretched local train system while strengthening long-distance and freight connectivity.

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Suburban network to see capacity boost

A key highlight of the budget is the plan to procure 238 air-conditioned local trains with 12-coach formations for Mumbai’s suburban network. These trains are expected to improve commuter comfort and increase carrying capacity on both Western and Central Railway lines. The budget also provides for the rollout of advanced Train Management Control systems to improve signalling efficiency and operational safety.

Track expansion projects have received a significant push. On the Western Railway, the Virar–Dahanu suburban corridor will be quadrupled, a move expected to benefit thousands of daily long-distance commuters from the northern suburbs. On the Central Railway, the Panvel–Karjat corridor has been included to improve links between Mumbai and its extended suburban areas.

Another major project cleared under the budget is the Airoli–Kalwa elevated double rail line. The corridor is designed to reduce pressure on existing routes between Navi Mumbai and Thane, two of the region’s fastest-growing urban clusters.

Ports, freight and high-speed rail

Apart from the suburban transport, the budget has mentioned initiatives for improving freight transport and port connectivity. The proposed Vadhavan Port in Mumbai will be connected by a dedicated rail line, with an aim to include it in the Dedicated Freight Corridor to facilitate logistics development through port connectivity.

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Long-distance travel also features prominently. The Detailed Project Report for doubling the Konkan Railway on the Mumbai–Goa route has been prepared and submitted. Once approved, the project is expected to increase train frequency and improve travel reliability along the coastal corridor.

High-speed rail has received fresh momentum, with ₹6,103 crore allocated for the Mumbai–Ahmedabad bullet train project. The budget also grants approvals for new high-speed corridors, including Mumbai–Pune and Pune–Hyderabad.