Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai
Mumbai, Dec 5: Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Friday expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw for approving 10 new suburban train services in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR), calling it a “special gift for Mumbaikars.” He said the move would ease daily travel for thousands of commuters.
In a post on X, Fadnavis wrote:
“Special gift for Mumbaikars! Thank you, Hon. PM Narendra Modi Ji and Hon. Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw ji, for initiating additional local train services: Nerul–Uran–Nerul (4 trips) and Belapur–Uran–Belapur (6 trips), in response to my request. Grateful for the approval of stoppages at Targhar and Gavhan. This will significantly benefit commuters and make the daily travel of Mumbaikars much easier.”
The announcement coincides with the one-year completion of the Mahayuti government led by Fadnavis.
According to a letter from the Railway Minister dated December 5, 2025, approval has been granted for the immediate introduction of 10 new services on the extended Port Line corridor. All services will include additional halts at Targhar station, while stoppages at Gavhan have also been approved to enhance connectivity.
The distribution of the newly sanctioned services is as follows:
• Nerul–Uran–Nerul: 4 services
• Belapur–Uran–Belapur: 6 services
The Railway Board has also stressed the need to accelerate Port Line operations on the Nerul–Uran and Belapur–Uran stretches to address the growing commuter load in Navi Mumbai and Raigad. The new trains are expected to begin operations at the earliest feasible date.
Earlier, minister Vaishnaw had outlined an ambitious plan for Mumbai’s suburban rail network, including major infrastructure upgrades and enhanced services. The strategy aims to introduce 250–300 additional local trains on the Central and Western lines over the next five years, easing pressure on the existing 3,200 daily services.
In addition, he announced approval for the procurement of 238 new-generation suburban rakes, featuring modern AC trains with improved acceleration, enhanced ventilation, and design elements intended to improve passenger comfort and reduce overcrowding.