Singh made these announcements at the 67th Foundation Day celebrations of the Bharat Merchants’ Chamber, where he highlighted the progress of multiple high-priority projects aimed at reducing congestion and improving passenger services. The Borivali–Bandra line, a critical segment of Mumbai’s suburban rail system, is expected to be completed within days, which will significantly increase capacity and reduce delays.
In addition to expanding rail lines, Singh discussed other measures designed to ease the rush on crowded platforms. The construction of a new deck at Dadar station has been approved, similar to decks at Khar and Borivali stations. This development aims to improve passenger flow and reduce platform congestion during peak hours.
A major upgrade to the air-conditioned local services was also announced. Western Railway has received a new AC local train rake, which is currently undergoing trials. This addition will increase the number of AC local services by 10 to 12 daily trips, providing much-needed relief to commuters who prefer more comfortable travel options.
“We view rail infrastructure as an investment, not an expense,” Singh remarked, emphasizing that every rupee spent on rail services brings substantial economic returns, generating four to five times the investment. The improved services are expected to boost both commuter satisfaction and economic efficiency.
At the event, traders and businessmen raised the need for world-class facilities at key commercial stations. Bharat Merchants’ Chamber president Manoj Jalan pointed out that stations such as Marine Lines, Charni Road, and Grant Road, which handle heavy foot traffic daily, require significant upgrades to meet the needs of Mumbai’s thriving business community.
In response, Singh assured that work was already underway at Marine Lines to enhance passenger facilities. This initiative is part of Western Railway’s ongoing efforts to upgrade stations and provide better services for Mumbai's growing population.
In other developments, Senior DCM Abhay Chauhan addressed the issue of ticket fraud, revealing that the railway is exploring the introduction of color-coded markings on tickets to combat the use of counterfeit tickets generated through technology. He also provided an update on the progress of the Mumbai-Ahmedabad Bullet Train project, stating that the National High-Speed Rail Corporation Limited was making steady progress.
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