VIDEO: Mumbai Suburban Trains To Become Fully AC Without Fare Hike, Confirms CM Devendra Fadnavis

Mumbai: Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Friday announced a major transformation for Mumbai's suburban railway system, stating that all local trains will soon be upgraded to fully air-conditioned (AC) coaches, similar to metro trains, without any increase in passenger fares.

Speaking in the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly, Fadnavis emphasized the urgency of modernizing Mumbai’s overburdened local trains. “There was a recent accident involving a suburban train. Many of these trains lack doors, which leads to frequent mishaps. People are forced to travel in extremely poor conditions,” he said. “In contrast, metro trains are fully air-conditioned and equipped with automatic doors, ensuring a comfortable and safe journey. Mumbai deserves the same for its suburban network.”

Fadnavis added that the state had requested the Centre to provide metro-style AC coaches for suburban routes. “We have asked Prime Minister Modi and Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw to support this upgrade. I'm happy to inform you that a positive decision has been taken, and the Railway Minister will soon visit Mumbai to make the official announcement.”

The Chief Minister also assured that the new AC coaches will not be retrofitted into old trains but will be newly built, with doors and improved features. “Most importantly, there will be no fare hike. Not a single rupee will be added to the ticket price,” he affirmed.

Clarification on Dharavi Redevelopment: Land Given to DRP, Not Adani

Addressing allegations made by the opposition, Fadnavis clarified that land for the Dharavi Redevelopment Project (DRP) has not been given to the Adani Group but to a government-backed Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) managing the project. “The state government is a partner in this redevelopment, and the land has been allocated to DRP, not to any private entity,” he said.

The ambitious project will redevelop 541 hectares of land, including construction of 10 lakh homes over the next seven years. “This will be the world’s largest urban rehabilitation initiative, involving an investment of around Rs1 lakh crore. All legal residents of Dharavi will be resettled within the same area. While the government is not obligated to provide homes to illegal occupants, we are planning to relocate them elsewhere in Mumbai,” he explained.

"Mumbai Will Always Be a Part of Maharashtra"

Taking a dig at upcoming political campaigns, Fadnavis warned that in the coming months, certain groups may attempt to stir controversy by claiming that Mumbai is being separated from Maharashtra. “Let me make it absolutely clear that no one can take Mumbai away from Maharashtra,” he asserted.

Infrastructure Push: Navi Mumbai Airport and Port Projects on Track

The Chief Minister also provided updates on key infrastructure projects. He said the Navi Mumbai International Airport will be completed by the end of September. "The Nayna City development and the expansion of Vadhavan Port are progressing rapidly. Vadhavan Port will be among the world’s top 10 and will give Maharashtra a new maritime edge."

He added that an ‘Edu-City’ is also being developed in Navi Mumbai. “Ten international universities are expected to establish campuses there. Five have already signed agreements. These reputed institutions will offer education at just 25% of their regular fees.”

Unified Ticketing and Green Energy Targets

Fadnavis said trials are currently underway for a unified ticketing system that would allow passengers to travel across all modes of public transport in Mumbai using a single ticket. He also reaffirmed the government’s commitment to green energy, stating that by 2030, half of the state's electricity needs will be met through renewable sources.

Crime Control and Clarification on Honeytrap Allegations

Highlighting his government's performance, Fadnavis claimed the crime rate in Maharashtra has gone down significantly compared to the previous Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) government. “We are maintaining better law and order across the state.”

Responding to allegations of a ‘honeytrap’ racket targeting officials in Thane, Nashik, and the Mantralaya, Fadnavis said no such case had come to light. “A woman had filed a complaint in Nashik but later withdrew it. There is no honey and no trap,” he said, responding to Congress MLA Nana Patole’s demand for a formal statement.

New Security Law Explained

Fadnavis also addressed concerns around the proposed Special Public Security Bill, assuring the House that it is a liberal law designed to prevent extremist threats. “There is a difference between left-leaning ideology and leftist extremism—just like there’s a difference between Islam and ISIS. MCOCA is more stringent, but this new law does not allow arbitrary arrests. It will not be misused,” he assured.