Green signal for Pune–Lonavala & Thane–Navi Mumbai Corridors
Mumbai: The state cabinet’s infrastructure committee has approved the purchase of 268 air-conditioned (AC) local trains as part of the first phase of modernizing suburban railway services. This decision aligns with Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis’ earlier statement that all local trains in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region would gradually be made fully air-conditioned.
The committee meeting, chaired by CM Fadnavis on Tuesday at Mantralaya, finalized several key decisions crucial for transport and urban development. These measures will benefit cities like Mumbai, Pune, Thane, Navi Mumbai, and Nagpur, providing them with modern transport facilities and accelerating growth.
Closed-door Local Trains with Advanced Amenities
Highlighting the government’s commitment to upgrading suburban railways, Fadnavis recalled his earlier announcement about “closed-door” locals. Under the Mumbai Urban Transport Project (MUTP) Phase 3 and 3A, the committee has approved the procurement of 268 fully AC trains in the first phase. These trains will feature closed automatic doors, advanced passenger amenities, and facilities comparable to metro trains. Gradually, the old non-AC and open-door trains will be phased out and replaced with these modern AC locals. The Chief Minister also emphasized that ticket fares will remain unchanged. Train procurement will begin once the central government grants its approval.
Thane to Navi Mumbai Airport Elevated Corridor
Another major development is the approval for a 25-km elevated corridor between Thane and the Navi Mumbai International Airport. This project will ensure faster and dedicated connectivity between Thane, Navi Mumbai, and surrounding industrial zones.
Speaking to the media, CM Fadnavis said that today’s decisions will provide cities like Mumbai, Pune, Thane, Navi Mumbai, and Nagpur with modern transport systems and set them on a path of accelerated growth and development.
 local trains as part of the first phase of modernizing suburban railway services. This decision aligns with Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis’ earlier statement that all local trains in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region would gradually be made fully air-conditioned.){kind=link}