Ram Naik was instrumental in shaping Mumbai’s railway policy under the BJP leadership. As a dedicated railway activist, he championed passenger rights through organisations like the Goregaon Pravasi Sangh and, later, the Mumbai Railway Cell within the BJP. His tenure as Minister of State for Railways marked a significant turning point, leading to establishment of the Mumbai Railway Vikas Corporation (MRVC) in 1999 under the Vajpayee government. This initiative laid the groundwork for long-term suburban railway improvements through the Mumbai Urban Transport Projects (MUTP). His efforts set the stage for subsequent BJP railway ministers who further accelerated railway modernisation across Mumbai and India.

However, Mumbai’s local train network could have seen major improvements much earlier if not for repeated obstructions by opposition leaders like NCP-SP president Sharad Pawar and Jitendra Awhad. Their political maneuvering delayed key developmental projects, including the introduction of AC local trains in 2022, depriving commuters of a much-needed upgrade.

Ironically, while their ally, Congress MP Varsha Gaikwad, criticised the BJP government in Parliament over deteriorating railway conditions, she failed to acknowledge the opposition’s role in stalling progress. She pointed out the loss of 2,468 lives and 2,697 injuries suffered by passengers in Mumbai locals. In response, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw reaffirmed the government’s commitment to progress by announcing the introduction of 238 new AC local trains alongside major infrastructure upgrades. This initiative aims to reduce accidents by replacing old, overcrowded trains with modern, safer, and more efficient AC rakes.

The decision was made following discussions between Vaishnaw and Devendra Fadnavis, who was then Maharashtra’s Deputy Chief Minister, in alignment with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision for transforming Mumbai’s rail network. With the Central Railway increasing AC train services, the government is taking decisive steps toward a seamless, comfortable, and technologically advanced commuting experience for Mumbaikars. This highlights the stark contrast between those actively working for progress and those obstructing it for political gains.


AC local train infrastructure in Mumbai

The move to introduce AC local trains is not just about comfort but also about passenger safety and efficiency. A Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by railway safety activist Sameer Zaveri in 2008, demanded crucial safety measures, including closed-door local trains. This PIL was instrumental in pushing the government to introduce AC local trains, which would significantly reduce the risk of accidents caused by overcrowding and people hanging from train doors.

Zaveri, who lost both his legs in a train accident in 1989, supports the introduction of AC trains but emphasises the need for rationalised fares to make them accessible for all commuters. Recognising this, the BJP government has worked towards fare reductions, ensuring that AC locals cater to all economic sections of society.

1. Currently, 109 AC local trains are operating on Mumbai’s Western and Central railway lines.

2. On weekdays and weekends, these AC locals run 65 services, including the latest addition of 13 new AC services on suburban routes.

3. The first AC local train in Mumbai was launched on December 25, 2017, under the Western Railway network.

4. In the first five months, nearly five lakh passengers traveled via AC locals, and during summers, the passenger count reached three lakh per month.

5. The fares for AC locals have been substantially reduced, making them more affordable for regular passengers.

Sharad Pawar’s opposition to development

While the BJP-led government is focused on upgrading Mumbai’s railway network, the NCP-SP and its leader Sharad Pawar have consistently opposed such developments. In 2022, Pawar openly demanded the complete withdrawal of AC local services

Pawar’s party leader, Jitendra Awhad, led protests against AC trains, forcing Central Railway to withdraw 10 new AC services after pressure from commuters in Kalwa and Badlapur. Despite clear benefits such as reduced crowding and safer travel, Pawar insisted on restoring non-AC trains, portraying the modern upgrade as an anti-poor move rather than a necessary step for Mumbai’s long-term development.

Further, the idea to upgrade Mumbai local trains into Vande Metro (suburban) trains was first introduced by the Ministry of Railways on May 19, 2023. The ministry had issued a directive to the Mumbai Railway Vikas Corporation to procure 238 trains under the Mumbai Urban Transport Project 3 and 3A, a joint initiative between the central and state government to modernise Mumbai’s railway infrastructure.

The Corporation was instructed to place orders and invite tenders with strict maintenance conditions for the next 35 years. By June 2023, the Corporation had initiated the process for procurement but suddenly scrapped the tender in July 2023, citing vague reasons. Railway Board officials later admitted that the project had been stalled due to political interference. In September 2024, the Railway Minister revealed in an interview with Mid-Day that the AC train project was stalled because of opposition from Pawar.

This is not the first time Pawar had opposed development initiatives. His political strategy has often involved resisting modernisation efforts under the pretext of safeguarding the poor, even when those changes are meant to improve public safety, convenience, and infrastructure. The resistance to AC local trains follows a pattern of opposing progressive policies solely for political gain.

Even as AC local trains are becoming increasingly popular among commuters, with statistics showing a significant rise in ticket sales, Pawar and his party continue to criticise the initiative.

With the BJP government’s proactive approach, Mumbai’s railway network is set for a massive transformation. The procurement of 238 new AC local trains marks a significant step in reducing overcrowding, preventing fatalities, and ensuring a comfortable commute for millions. Unlike the previous governments that ignored the deteriorating railway conditions, the Modi government has actively invested in upgrading railway infrastructure, enhancing safety features, and making daily travel more efficient.

Sharad Pawar’s opposition to AC local trains is yet another example of his short-sighted, politically motivated resistance to development. While his party focuses on stalling progress, the BJP government continues to modernise Mumbai’s railway system, making it safer, more efficient, and affordable for every Mumbaikar. As the demand for safer, modern, and high-quality public transport continues to grow, it is evident that the BJP government’s efforts will redefine Mumbai’s lifeline, ensuring that future generations experience a well-connected and progressive city.