Mumbai suburban railway commuters received the railway budget with a mixed response. While no major projects were announced,the far suburbs of the city that have been growing at a rapid pace have been given adequate attention by way of more services. While last years budget saw 101 new services for the Mumbai suburban section,this year only 47 new services have been announced. Plus,107 nine-coach services would be converted into 12-coach services. New services have been announced and focus has been given on the extended suburbs. These services would start on the Thane-Panvel,Thane Vashi,Borivali-Virar,Andheri-Virar and Churchgate-Borivali sections. In terms of infrastructure,Mumbai Rail Vikas Corporation (MRVC) would get Rs 319 crore,sources said. Under Phase I of the Mumbai Urban Transport Project (MUTP),the MRVC would get Rs 85 crore and Rs 234 crore under Phase II. Another important aspect in terms of the city infrastructure is conducting of a survey for introducing fast track corridor on the harbour line. Phase III of the MUTP,which is still in the conceptual stage,has a proposed fast track corridor on the harbour line. It has also proposed an additional suburban line on the Virar-Diva-Panvel section. Main line multiple electrical unit (MEMU) services would be increased on the Vasai-Panvel section and DEMU (diesel multiple unit) services on the Vasai-Diva route. A fast track corridor and additional line on the Vasai-Diva section have also been proposed. It is to be noted the state government has already announced new growth centres in these parts of the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR). The railways have also decided to set up a 700 megawatt power plant in Thakurli. It is,however,unclear on how the project would be executed. The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) is keen to become a partner in this project. We are looking forward to be associated with this project, said SVR Srinivas additional metropolitan commissioner. The Union Railway Minister,Mamata Banerjee,spoke about the safety of suburban railway,but it was quite vague as many people lose their lives on tracks, said Hariram Chaudhray,chairman of Forum For Rail Passengers. The minister also announced the Sukhi Griha Scheme for people residing in slums along the tracks. The Lower-Parel and Diva stations have been added to the list of Adarsh stations.
