After the rail mishap in Mumbra, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis assured citizens in June that Mumbai’s suburban rail network would be upgraded with automatic door systems and gradually transitioned to fully air-conditioned services.Acting on this commitment, a decision was taken at a meeting of the Cabinet Infrastructure Committee in Mumbai to procure 268 new AC local train sets under Phases 3 and 3A of the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Plan. These modern trains, equipped with metro-style automated doors, will be introduced in stages to replace the existing open-door suburban coaches. Importantly, the government has indicated that fares are likely to remain unchanged so that the upgraded services continue to be accessible and affordable for daily commuters.
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis is widely regarded for making firm decisions grounded in careful study and detailed evaluation of issues, while also ensuring their proper execution. Demonstrating this approach once again, he chaired a Cabinet Committee on Infrastructure meeting at Mantralaya on Tuesday, August 19, 2025, where an important resolution was taken to enhance the safety and comfort of millions of daily commuters in Mumbai.The move followed his earlier assurance after the tragic suburban rail accident near Mumbra railway station in June 2025. In that incident, five passengers lost their lives after falling from an overcrowded local train, sparking widespread public concern and anger across Maharashtra. The recent decision was aligned with the commitment he had made in the aftermath of that tragedy to strengthen commuter safety measures.
Devendra Fadnavis’s to improve Mumbai Local trains!
Concerns were raised about Mumbai’s public transport service, especially the Mumbai suburban rail network after the local train mishap at Mumbra. In response, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis proposed the option of installing automatic doors in Mumbai Local trains to enhance passenger safety. However, this option was ridiculed. Undeterred, Devendra Fadnavis engaged the Central Administration and the Railway Ministry to try and find a practical solution. He held talks with the Central Railway Ministry and proposed the purchase of 268 AC local trains under phases 3 and 3A of the Mumbai Urban Transport Project (MUTP). These trains would feature automatic doors similar to those in the metro, air conditioning, and all necessary safety measures for passengers. Importantly, passengers would be charged the same fare for these AC local trains as for regular local trains.
Automatic Doors for Mumbai Local TrainsThe Chief Minister went beyond making a public announcement and actively pursued the matter with the central authorities to secure the necessary clearances. He held detailed discussions with the Union Railway Minister, and the engagement yielded concrete results, with the Centre granting its in-principle approval. Following this, the state Cabinet’s Infrastructure Committee formally cleared the proposal and sanctioned the procurement of 268 new air-conditioned suburban train sets in the initial phase.Under this plan, the existing conventional local trains will be gradually withdrawn and replaced by modern AC rakes fitted with automatic doors. The move reflects Devendra Fadnavis’s hands-on approach to governance identifying the core of a problem, coordinating with the relevant ministries and agencies, and steering solutions that serve public interest.Importantly, the large-scale induction of 268 AC trains into Mumbai’s suburban network is being undertaken without increasing ticket fares, ensuring affordability for commuters. The initiative is expected to significantly enhance passenger safety and comfort while also redefining the overall image of Mumbai’s local train system across Maharashtra.
