The Mumbai Urban Transport Projects (MUTP) secures a substantial allocation of INR 1,600 crores for rail initiatives in the interim budget, part of the INR 15,500 crore for Maharashtra by Indian Railways. Executed by the Mumbai Rail Vikas Corporation, the funds cover projects in various phases, including new rail lines and station upgrades. Additionally, Western and Central Railways receive significant allocations for speed enhancement, bridge restructuring, and customer amenities. The National High Speed Rail Corporation is granted INR 25,000 crore for India's first Mumbai-Ahmedabad bullet train corridor, demonstrating a commitment to advancing rail infrastructure in the region.
The Mumbai Urban Transport Projects (MUTP) has received a significant allocation of around INR 1,600 crores in the interim budget for its rail initiatives. This funding is a part of the larger allocation of INR 15,500 crore for Maharashtra by Indian Railways, marking a substantial increase compared to the average annual allocation of INR 1,171 crore to the state. The details are outlined in the Indian Railways' 'Pink Book,' which lists funded rail projects.
The allocated funds, totalling INR 789 crore, are designated for various phases of MUTP and are being executed by the Mumbai Rail Vikas Corporation (MRVC), a joint venture between Indian Railways and the Maharashtra government. The state government is set to match this funding with an equal amount of INR 789 crore for the rail projects. The MRVC is currently engaged in the implementation of projects under MUTP 2, 3, and 3A, and the budget allocation appears to cover all these projects.
SC Gupta, CMD, MRVC noted that contracts were awarded for new rail lines on the Borivali-Virar and Kalyan-Badlapur corridors, along with improvement works at 17 stations. These additional lines aim to segregate suburban and long-distance trains on both Central and Western Railway lines. Preparatory works, such as the removal of structures, extension of foot overbridges (FOBs), and obtaining clearances for mangrove and forest removal, have commenced on these corridors. The construction deadline for Lines 3 and 4 on the Kalyan-Badlapur corridor is December 2026, with an estimated cost of INR 1,510 crore. Similarly, Lines 5 and 6 on the Borivali-Virar stretch are expected to be completed by December 2027, with a projected cost of INR 2,184 crore.
Additionally, 17 stations across both Central and Western Railway are undergoing upgrades to alleviate congestion, enhance station facilities, and build multiple FOBs, escalators, and lifts, with a budget of INR 987 crore. While there is progress on several fronts, there is no update on the procurement of 238 AC local trains under MUTP 3 and 3A. Last year, INR 1,100 crore was allocated by the Railways, matched by the state government.
Numerous infrastructure projects, including additional rail lines, stations under Amrit Bharat, and other engineering works, have also received funding. Western Railway has secured INR 2,662 crore for enhancing train speeds on the Mumbai-Ahmedabad-Delhi corridor under 'Mission Raftaar.' Additionally, INR 1,196 crore has been allocated for the regirdering of Road Over Bridges (ROBs) at various stations. Central Railway has received funds for building ROBs at Diva, Vikhroli, Diva-Vasai, Diva-Panvel, and Kalyan-Igatpuri.
An official mentioned an allocation of INR 85 crore for the third line on the Kalyan-Kasara corridor and INR 1,022 crore for customer amenities, including new FOBs, escalators, lifts, platform extensions, and other station improvements.
Furthermore, the National High Speed Rail Corporation (NHSRCL) constructing India's first bullet train corridor from Mumbai to Ahmedabad has been allocated INR 25,000 crore. In January, the NHSRCL completed 100 percent land acquisition for the project spanning 1,389 hectares in Maharashtra, Gujarat, and Dadra and Nagar Haveli. The installation of 28 seismometers, using technology from the Japanese Shinkansen bullet train, has also commenced, showcasing a commitment to safety in the ambitious project.
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