Maharashtra Govt Clears Rs 24,000 Crore Plan For 268 AC Locals, Metro Line 11 And Elevated Road To Navi Mumbai

The Maharashtra government has given the green light to a major upgrade of Mumbai's suburban rail system, approving the procurement of 268 fully air-conditioned local train coaches under phases 3 and 3A of the Mumbai Urban Transport Project (MUTP).

Often described as the lifeline of Mumbai, the suburban railway network will soon feature new rakes equipped with metro-style automatic doors and upgraded passenger amenities. These modern AC trains will gradually replace the city's old open-door locals. Importantly, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis confirmed that ticket fares will remain unchanged despite the upgrades.

Elevated Road to Navi Mumbai Airport

In another key development, the state government approved the construction of a 25-km elevated corridor connecting Thane to the upcoming Navi Mumbai International Airport. This project is expected to significantly improve connectivity between Mumbai and the new airport.

Metro Line 11: Wadala to Gateway of India

The government also cleared the long-awaited Metro Line 11, a 16-km fully underground corridor that will run from Wadala depot to the iconic Gateway of India. The Rs 24,000 crore project will be financed by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).

Wider Infrastructure Push

The decisions were taken at a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Infrastructure chaired by CM Devendra Fadnavis. The panel cleared several high-impact infrastructure projects aimed at boosting transport connectivity and urban development in Mumbai, Pune, Thane, Navi Mumbai, and Nagpur.

The committee also sanctioned the construction of additional railway lines to strengthen the Pune-Lonavala corridor, which is expected to ease congestion, improve regional connectivity, and support industrial, residential, and commercial growth along the stretch.

A statement from the Chief Minister's Office said Fadnavis was confident that these projects would modernise Maharashtra's public transport system and accelerate the state's overall development.