Motormen's threats to go on strike could be a thing of the past for the railway administration in Mumbai’s suburban section if this project sees the light of day. The Mumbai Rail Vikas Corporation (MRVC) has recently sent a proposal to the World Bank to fund a detailed engineering report on automated, driverless trains on this section.

The feasibility report is expected to cost Rs 20 crore and the project an estimated Rs 3,500 crore - Rs 2,000 crore for Central Railway and Rs 1,500 crore for Western Railway including the cost of upgraded rolling stock.

Automated trains have been proven safe and effective on Metro railways in many parts of the world. “Soon, a tender will be floated for appointing an agency for the study,” said a senior CR official.

MRVC managing director PC Sehgal maintained that no proposal is being sent to the World Bank for a detailed engineering report, though a technical feasibility study has already been conducted.

“This project will cost about Rs 3,000 crore. But as far as a detailed engineering report is concerned, it has been postponed for at least two years,” Sehgal said, adding that it is not on the priority list since the Mumbai Urban Transport Project (Phase 2) and the work of converting harbour line trains on CR to 12-car coaches need to be completed first.

“After that, will get this project sanctioned by the Railway Board and only then will we send a proposal to World Bank to appoint agency for a detailed engineering report.”

... contd.