CM Fadnavis Announces AC Local Trains for Mumbai Without Fare Increase
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has announced that Mumbai will soon roll out air-conditioned local trains equipped with metro-style features, aimed at offering safer and more comfortable commutes — all without any increase in ticket fares.
Speaking in the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly, Fadnavis confirmed that the introduction of AC local trains will not result in any fare hike. He added that Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, currently in Mumbai, is expected to make an official announcement shortly regarding the deployment of AC coaches in the suburban rail network.
Fadnavis also provided an update on key infrastructure projects: the underground Colaba-BKC-Aarey Metro Line 3 is scheduled to become fully operational by October, while the Navi Mumbai International Airport is projected to be ready by the end of September.
Commenting on broader development efforts, the Chief Minister highlighted progress in the Navi Mumbai Airport Influence Notified Area (NAINA) and rapid advancements at the Vadhavan Port. He emphasized that the Vadhavan Port will rank among the world’s top 10 ports, bolstering Maharashtra’s maritime capabilities.
Additionally, Fadnavis announced the establishment of an “Education City” in Navi Mumbai, where education costs will be only 25% of those incurred for overseas studies. He revealed that 10 international universities are expected to set up campuses, with five already having signed agreements.
Referring to the tragic June 9 Mumbra train incident that claimed five lives, Fadnavis drew a stark contrast between Mumbai’s overcrowded suburban trains and the safety of air-conditioned metro trains with automatic doors. He reiterated his request to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Minister Vaishnaw to upgrade local trains with AC coaches featuring automatic door systems — and importantly, to do so without raising fares.
The Chief Minister said that Vaishnaw has given positive assurances and will announce the initiative upon his return to Mumbai.
Addressing separate political issues, Fadnavis dismissed allegations made by Congress MLA Nana Patole about an alleged ‘honeytrap’ racket involving state officials in Thane, Nashik, and Mantralaya. Fadnavis said Patole failed to provide any evidence, adding, “There is no honey or trap,” as quoted by the Times of India.
On law and order, the CM reported a 6.75% overall drop in the state’s crime rate, including an 11% decrease in Nagpur. Cybercrime detection has risen to 16%, and authorities have solved 91% of crimes against women and 98% of rape cases. He noted that in 99.5% of rape cases, the perpetrators were known to the victims. Over 2,000 arrests have been made in narcotics-related cases, and provisions have been implemented to apply MCOCA against drug traffickers. Furthermore, 13 police personnel have been dismissed for misconduct. New laws have also been enacted to mandate completion of investigations within 90 days and prioritize forensic evidence.
