Mumbai: Railway projects under the Mumbai Urban Transport Project (MUTP) have received a significant financial boost, with a combined allocation of Rs 4,535 crore from the Union and state budgets for 2026–27 — nearly 20% higher than last year.Of the total outlay, the Maharashtra govt has contributed Rs 2,319 crore, while the Centre’s share stands at Rs 2,216 crore. In comparison, the combined allocation in the previous financial year was Rs 3,554 crore, indicating a substantial increase in funding support for suburban rail infrastructure.The funds will be utilised for ongoing works under three MUTP phases being implemented by the Mumbai Railway Vikas Corporation (MRVC). These include expansion of rail corridors, station improvement works, and measures to ease congestion at busy suburban stations across the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR).A key focus this year is the commissioning of the Panvel–Karjat suburban rail corridor under MUTP-3. The project is more than 85% complete and is expected to be operational within the current financial year. Once opened, it will provide an alternative route from Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) to Karjat via Panvel, reducing dependence on the Kalyan corridor and improving connectivity to Navi Mumbai.Officials said the enhanced budgetary support is expected to accelerate execution of critical infrastructure, leading to faster dispersal of crowds and improved commuter safety.Among allocations, MUTP-3A projects have received the highest share at Rs 2,780 crore, followed by Rs 1,583 crore for MUTP-3 and Rs 172 crore for MUTP-2.Key projects under implementation include the Virar–Dahanu quadrupling corridor, where nearly 50% of the work has been completed, including construction of two major river bridges. Under MUTP-3A, works such as the extension of the harbour line to Borivli, addition of fifth and sixth lines between Borivli and Virar, and extra corridors between Kalyan–Asangaon and Kalyan–Badlapur are progressing steadily.MRVC is also planning procurement of 238 air-conditioned suburban rakes to improve travel comfort. Pre-bid meetings are under way, with tenders likely to be opened in May. MUTP 3 and 3A are capacity augmentation projects that aims at laying additonal line parallel to existing line.
