Fri Sep 13 13:55:59 UTC 2024: ## Railway Minister Takes Mumbai Local Train Ride, Promises Improved Commuter Experience
**Mumbai:** In a bid to understand the daily struggles of Mumbai’s commuters, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw took a ride on a local train on Friday. Boarding a second-class coach of the Ambernath-bound slow local at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus, he interacted with passengers during the 27 km journey to Bhandup.
During his ride, the Minister listened to commuter concerns regarding frequent disruptions and the need for increased services. He also announced ambitious plans to improve Mumbai’s suburban rail network, outlining 12 projects costing Rs 16,240 crore. These projects, including additional lines on various routes and new chord lines, will add 301 km of tracks to the already dense network.
Vaishnaw assured that these projects will significantly increase capacity, allowing for more trains and ultimately improving the overall commuting experience. He emphasized the importance of the local train network, often referred to as the lifeline of Mumbai, for millions of commuters.
This is not the first time Vaishnaw has taken a local train ride. In February 2022, he traveled between Thane and Diva to inspect new lines and enjoyed a popular local snack, ‘vada pav,’ during his visit.
The Minister’s visit comes during the ongoing Ganesh festival and he is also scheduled to visit a Ganesh mandal in the city.
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