Western Railway General Manager Ramashray Pandey shared these details during an interaction with media at the Churchgate headquarters. He stated that routes currently operating at 100 and 110 kmph are being upgraded for 130 kmph operations. Simultaneously, the Mumbai-Delhi corridor is being enhanced for 160 kmph running.
The speed enhancement initiative aims to reduce travel time, improve operational efficiency, and provide faster connectivity for passengers.
Pandey also highlighted the impact of the Western Dedicated Freight Corridor (DFC). Once commissioned, the DFC will shift freight traffic away from the existing network, allowing more capacity for passenger trains.
Regarding rolling stock, Western Railway has requested three to four Vande Bharat sleeper trains for deployment on various routes.
On redevelopment, Pandey mentioned plans for Garib Nagar in Bandra, where recent demolition of illegal huts took place. The area will be developed with improved passenger amenities, and some railway facilities, including a diesel shed, will be relocated. After relocating these structures, ten new stabling lines will be constructed at Bandra Terminus, enabling the introduction of at least ten new trains from the station.
At Mumbai Central terminus, all five platforms will be extended in phases over the next couple of years to accommodate 24-coach trains, up from the current maximum of 22 coaches.
Pandey noted a 2% decline in passenger traffic on Western Railway over the past two months, compared to a 0.2% decline in the previous financial year. He suggested that some commuters may have shifted to Metro services.
