Ashwini Vaishnaw Unveils Maharashtra East-West Rail Corridor

Surat-Dankuni Rail Corridor Set to Boost Industrial and Rural Connectivity Across Maharashtra

Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has announced plans for a new east-west railway corridor that will connect several parts of Maharashtra that currently have limited or no direct rail connectivity. The proposed Surat-Dankuni corridor is expected to support industrial growth, improve freight movement and strengthen connections for rural areas across the state.

Vaishnaw made the announcement while addressing a function through video link from Delhi during the flag-off ceremony of the new daily CSMT-Sawantwadi Road Express.

New Rail Link to Open Connectivity for Previously Unserved Areas

The proposed Surat-Dankuni east-west corridor will include both passenger and dedicated freight services. According to Vaishnaw, the project is being planned to connect parts of western Maharashtra, Nashik and other regions that have not previously benefited from direct railway connectivity.

The minister said the project was developed after Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis proposed linking the eastern and western freight corridors with emerging industrial development zones.

The new corridor is expected to create better transportation links for industries, businesses, farmers and rural communities while supporting economic activity across Maharashtra.

Dedicated Freight Corridors to Strengthen Maharashtra's Industrial Growth

Vaishnaw also highlighted the completion of the eastern and western Dedicated Freight Corridors. These routes are expected to improve the movement of goods between major ports and industrial centers across northern, eastern and central India.

The improved freight network will also support the movement of cargo from Jawaharlal Nehru Port, helping strengthen logistics and industrial activity in Mumbai and nearby areas.

Better rail freight connectivity could also provide industries with faster and more efficient transportation options while reducing pressure on road networks.

Mumbai Local Train Network Set for Major Expansion

The Railway Minister also shared plans to expand Mumbai's suburban railway system. Around 3,200 local train services currently operate across Mumbai, and the Railways is working to increase services by about 10 percent.

The expansion will focus on increasing railway capacity, upgrading signaling systems and bringing new-generation suburban trains into service.

Vaishnaw said the Integral Coach Factory in Chennai has been asked to manufacture 28 AC local trains. Production of the first train is expected to begin in 2027.

He added that Mumbai could have 238 new local trains by 2030, helping improve passenger movement and transform the city's suburban rail network.

Mumbai-Ahmedabad Bullet Train Project Makes Progress

Vaishnaw also provided an update on the Mumbai-Ahmedabad bullet train project. Two tunnel boring machines are currently working at the same time on the undersea tunnel section connecting Mumbai's Bandra-Kurla Complex with Thane.

The first section of the high-speed rail project is expected to become operational in 2027, according to the minister.

The project is expected to provide faster travel between Mumbai, Thane and other major destinations along the high-speed rail route.

350 Special Trains Planned for Ganesh Festival Travel

With passenger demand expected to rise during the upcoming Ganesh festival, the Railways plans to operate 350 special trains for travelers heading toward the Konkan region.

Vaishnaw said the number could be increased to 375 trains if passenger demand requires additional services.

The additional trains are expected to provide more travel options for passengers during one of Maharashtra's busiest festival periods.

New CSMT-Sawantwadi Road Express Improves Konkan Connectivity

The announcement was made during the launch of the new daily CSMT-Sawantwadi Road Express. The service will provide a direct rail connection between Mumbai and the Konkan region.

The new train is expected to benefit passengers traveling between Mumbai and key destinations in Konkan, while offering an additional option for regular commuters, families and festival travelers.

Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal, Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, Maharashtra Assembly Speaker Rahul Narwekar, minister Nitesh Rane and Mumbai Mayor Ritu Tawde attended the event.