Maharashtra forms special Task Force to plan Rail, Metro and RRTS expansion

Mumbai, India (Rail & Metro Today): The Government of Maharashtra has constituted a task force to develop a comprehensive strategy for expanding railway networks, metro corridors and Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS) services across the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR) and other major urban centres in the state. The initiative aims to strengthen integrated public transport planning and support the vision of ‘Viksit Maharashtra 2047’.

The task force will assess the most suitable rail-based transport systems for different regions, considering passenger demand, technical feasibility, operational requirements and financial viability. Its recommendations are expected to guide future infrastructure investments and improve connectivity between major cities and rapidly growing urban centres.

MRVC to Lead Strategic Transport Planning

The decision follows a high-level meeting held on October 7 under the chairmanship of the Additional Chief Secretary of the Urban Development Department (UDD). The meeting highlighted the need to identify appropriate rail-based mobility solutions for different parts of Maharashtra.

Considering its technical expertise and experience in railway infrastructure development, Mumbai Railway Vikas Corporation Ltd. (MRVC) has been assigned a central role in the planning exercise.

MRVC Chairman and Managing Director Vilas Sopan Wadekar will head the task force, while Sanjay Kumar, Chief Manager (Planning) at MRVC, will serve as its Member Secretary. The committee will also include representatives from the Maharashtra Urban Development Department, Maharashtra Metro Rail Corporation Ltd. (Maha-Metro), Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation Ltd. (MMRCL) and Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA).

Representatives involved in planning from CIDCO and the metropolitan region development authorities of Pune, Nashik, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar and Nagpur will participate as invitees. A representative of Maha Mumbai Metro Operation Corporation Ltd. will also be invited to contribute to the deliberations.

RRTS and Semi-High-Speed Rail Under Consideration

A key responsibility of the task force will be to examine the feasibility of expanding railway networks, developing new metro corridors and introducing RRTS services wherever appropriate. It will also study the possibility of connecting two major cities through semi-high-speed rail services.

The assessment will help determine which transport systems best meet the mobility needs of individual regions. While metro systems primarily address urban travel demand, RRTS and semi-high-speed rail can offer faster regional connectivity between cities and surrounding economic centres.

Mrs. Mamta Shah, MD & CEO of Urban Infra Group, said, “Maharashtra’s approach to integrated rail transport planning is an important step towards building a future-ready mobility network. Coordinated planning of metro, suburban rail, RRTS and semi-high-speed rail can improve regional connectivity, support economic growth and provide more efficient travel options for millions of people.”

Integrated Planning for Maharashtra’s Urban Future

The task force will recommend policy measures and coordination mechanisms required to plan and implement an integrated rail-based transport network. Its work is expected to support better alignment between transport infrastructure, urban development and regional economic growth.

With Mumbai and other major cities experiencing growing mobility demands, coordinated planning will be important to avoid fragmented infrastructure development and ensure that future investments address long-term passenger needs.

The task force will submit its recommendations and report to the state government. Its findings are expected to provide a structured framework for identifying suitable rail transport solutions across Maharashtra, supporting the state’s long-term development objectives under the Viksit Maharashtra 2047 vision.