Rail Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, highlights key structural reforms in Railways in reply to questions in Parliament Maharashtra to benefit greatly

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#AshwiniVaishnaw, Minister for Railways, while replying to questions raised by Members of Parliament (#MPs) on 17.03.2026, highlighted several key structural reforms undertaken in Indian Railways.

  • Indian Railways has received a record budgetary allocation of about ₹2.78 lakh crore in the Union Budget 2026–27.
  • 71,000 special trains were operated to various destinations during 2025–26, carrying lakhs of passengers.
  • Holding areas are being created to accommodate passengers at 75 stations.
  • A subsidy of ₹60,000 crore is provided, which translates to about 45% concession to every passenger, making Indian Railways one of the cheapest modes of transport in the world.
  • 1,300 stations are being redeveloped under the station redevelopment programme, of which 180 are complete, 500 are nearing completion, and work on the remaining stations is progressing rapidly.

Key highlights with respect to Maharashtra & Mumbai

  • The Union Government provides ₹3,000 crore subsidy for Mumbai’s suburban railway services, ensuring affordable travel for millions of daily commuters.
  • 238 new fully door-closing suburban trains for Mumbai are being manufactured to enhance passenger safety.
  • Capacity enhancement works in 48 cities, including Mumbai and Pune, are underway with the addition of new platforms, stabling lines, pit lines, coaching terminals and other infrastructure facilities.
  • Seven Bullet Train projects are being planned, including the Mumbai–Pune Bullet Train Project, which will reduce travel time to just 48 minutes, and Pune–Hyderabad, which will reduce travel time to about 2 hours.
  • Preparations for the Kumbh Mela at Nashik, Ujjain, Haridwar, Rajahmundry and Kumbakonam are progressing rapidly. For Nashik Kumbh, a detailed master plan has been prepared for Nashik Road, Deolali, Odha, Kherwadi and Kasbe Sukane stations. Work is underway for the construction of 17 new Road Over Bridges (ROBs) and 19 new underpasses.

Bullet Train Project

  • Work on the Bullet Train project is progressing rapidly, including the construction of India’s first undersea tunnel.
  • A total of 7 tunnels spanning 21 km are planned, of which 5 km have been completed, with breakthrough achieved in two tunnels.
  • Progress achieved under the project includes 435 km of foundation work, 426 km of pier construction, 338 girders launched, 168 km of track laying, and 146 km of OHE mast work.
  • Bridges across 17 rivers are also being constructed as part of the project.