Mumbai Local Trains to Get AC Metro-Like Coaches with No Fare Hike: CM Devendra Fadnavis

Imagine a Mumbai where your daily local train ride feels like a metro journey – cool, calm, and completely safe. That dream is now turning into a reality as Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis confirmed that Mumbai local trains will soon get air-conditioned, metro-style coaches, complete with automatic doors – and without a single rupee hike in fares.

This ambitious announcement came during Fadnavis’ address at the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly, where he spoke passionately about transforming the daily commute for Mumbaikars.

“We requested Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw to make Mumbai locals safer by introducing metro-like coaches – fully air-conditioned, with automatic doors – without increasing ticket prices,” said Fadnavis.

What Prompted This Move?

The decision follows a tragic accident in Mumbra on June 9, where five commuters lost their lives due to overcrowding and open-door conditions in the suburban trains. Fadnavis compared the unsafe, overloaded coaches to the safe and sealed environment of metro trains, saying the current situation urgently needs an upgrade.

“Mumbai today has two kinds of train travelers – one enjoying the safety and comfort of metro trains, and the other risking their lives daily in overcrowded local trains. This inequality must be resolved,” he said.

Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, who was in Mumbai recently, responded positively and is expected to make an official announcement soon. Fadnavis assured that these new AC coaches will not be retrofitted but will be brand new trains built to modern safety standards.

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Major Infrastructure Updates in Mumbai

Fadnavis also gave an update on several infrastructure projects shaping Mumbai’s future:

• Colaba-BKC-Aarey Metro 3 Corridor: Expected to be fully operational by October.
• Navi Mumbai International Airport: Targeted for completion by September-end.
• Vadhavan Port Project: Progressing rapidly and poised to become one of the top ten ports globally, boosting Maharashtra’s maritime strength.
• NAINA Development (Navi Mumbai Airport Influence Notified Area): Includes a world-class Education City with foreign universities – five already signed agreements.

Safety and Crime Statistics

Fadnavis also highlighted the improving safety metrics in Maharashtra:

• 6.75% reduction in crime statewide, and 11% drop in Nagpur.
• Cybercrime detection improved to 16%.
• 91% of women-related crimes and 98% of rape cases have been detected.
• In 99.5% of rape cases, the accused were known to the victims.
• Over 2,000 arrests made in drug-related crimes.
• MCOCA provisions being applied to serious drug peddlers.

Tackling Accidents and Overcrowding in Locals

Between 2020 and 2023, a staggering 7,565 deaths and 7,293 injuries were reported in Mumbai locals. The issue was recently discussed in the state assembly, and Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik suggested setting up a special task force to explore staggered office hours for easing peak-hour congestion.

“We are working on long-term solutions to eliminate overcrowding. Automatic doors are a priority, not an afterthought,” said Fadnavis.

He emphasized that these AC metro-style trains will be new coaches, not upgraded ones, ensuring proper design and safety from the start. And importantly – no fare hike is in the works.

Political Remarks and Clarity

In the same session, CM Fadnavis dismissed allegations by Congress MLA Nana Patole about a ‘honeytrap’ racket involving government officials, calling it baseless and unsupported by evidence.

“There is no honey, and no trap,” Fadnavis said, putting the rumors to rest.

🚆 With Mumbai’s local trains set to get a futuristic makeover and safety infrastructure rapidly evolving, this development marks a significant shift in how millions of commuters will experience daily travel.

Stay tuned as Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw is expected to make the official announcement soon, bringing metro-like comfort to one of India’s busiest rail networks.

For more details, check the original reporting by trusted media:

• Source: News18
• Source: Hindustan Times