The Maharashtra Government is pushing ahead with an ambitious suburban rail expansion plan aimed at transforming connectivity across the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR). In coordination with Central and Western Railways, multiple infrastructure upgrades are being planned to support the region’s growing transport demands and upcoming mega projects.
One of the most notable initiatives is the planned integration of the Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA) with the suburban rail network—a first for Indian Railways. This move is set to bring rail-based access directly to the airport, a critical step in supporting passenger movement and multimodal transport. Two dedicated rail links are currently being surveyed: a four-km connection from Khandeshwar on the Harbour Line and a shorter one-kilometre spur from Targhar on the under-construction Seawoods–Uran corridor. Together, these lines will anchor airport-bound commuters into the larger Mumbai rail system.
Meanwhile, Central Railway is rolling out multiple capacity-enhancement projects. A fourth line is in the pipeline between Asangaon and Kasara, complementing the ongoing expansion between Kalyan and Asangaon. This will help streamline operations by separating suburban services from long-distance trains. Another key project—the Badlapur-Karjat line—has been taken up under the PM Gati Shakti framework, targeting improved suburban services for key areas like Badlapur, Ambarnath, and Ulhasnagar. The Rs 1,510 crore corridor falls under MUTP Phase-3A and is expected to significantly decongest existing routes.
Western Railway is also moving forward with plans to bolster freight and passenger linkages. A new 75-km rail line from Dahanu to the proposed Vadhvan Port in Palghar district is on the cards, with a survey already planned. This line will be pivotal in enhancing port connectivity while also improving accessibility for coastal communities.
From airport access to hinterland connectivity, these rail projects are set to redefine suburban transit across MMR—building the foundation for a more connected, efficient, and future-ready urban region.