Central Railway Achieves Infrastructure Milestones In FY 2024–25: New FOBs, Speed Upgrades And Safety Boosts Across Network

Central Railway has marked a significant year of progress and achievement in FY 2024-25, delivering major milestones in infrastructure development, safety enhancement, and passenger convenience across its vast network. This includes the commissioning of 16 Foot Over Bridges across the Central Railway jurisdiction, including 7 in the Mumbai Division.

"To improve commuter safety and streamline movement, Central Railway commissioned new Foot Over Bridges (FOBs) at 16 stations, including 7 in the Mumbai Division—notably at Govandi, Khandi, Badlapur, and Kaman Road in 2024-25. This also includes three new mid-section FOBs in the Mumbai suburban section to curb trespassing—one between Wadala and Kings Circle, one between Govandi and Mankhurd, and one between Shahad and Ambivli. Other additions include one FOB in the Bhusawal Division, three in the Nagpur Division, and five in the Pune Division, reflecting a broad commitment to safety and accessibility across regions" said an official.

Apart from that, Central Railway continues its modernization push with major redevelopment projects underway at CSMT, Nagpur, and Ajni stations. Additionally, 22 stations across the network are undergoing soft upgradation. Nashik Road station has already seen notable improvements, including a redesigned front façade and an upgraded circulating area, enhancing the overall passenger experience.

Significant enhancements have been made to the track infrastructure, enabling higher speeds and smoother operations. Sectional speeds have been increased across several key routes.

The 32.53 km stretch between Tilaknagar and Panvel on the Mumbai Suburban section has seen an increase in speed from 80 kmph to 95 kmph. Similarly, the 26.18 km stretch between Panvel and Karjat now supports speeds increased from 105 kmph to 110 kmph.

The Butibori–Umrer section has been upgraded, with speeds increasing from 50 kmph to 75 kmph. The Panvel–JNPT section has seen a boost in speed from 65 kmph to 95 kmph.

Further enhancements include the Badnera–Amravati and Jalamb–Khamgaon sections, both of which have had their speeds increased from 90 kmph to 110 kmph.

Additionally, a significant 122.8 km stretch between Bhusawal and Khandwa has been upgraded to support speeds increased from 110 kmph to 130 kmph.

Alongside speed enhancements, Central Railway successfully completed 434 km of track renewal, 702 km of deep screening, and inserted 11.16 lakh cubic metres of ballast—ensuring a stronger and more reliable track structure.

Additionally, in a major safety achievement, 212 bridges were rehabilitated across Central Railway, including 5 important, 54 major, and 153 minor bridges—the highest number in the last five years. This comprehensive overhaul significantly enhances the structural integrity of the railway’s bridge network.

Furthermore, Central Railway eliminated 31 manned level crossings, including 6 replaced with Road Over Bridges (ROBs), 22 replaced with Road Under Bridges (RUBs), and 3 eliminated through road diversions.

“These developments mark a significant leap in Central Railway’s journey toward creating a safer, faster, and more efficient rail network for passengers and freight alike,” a senior CR official stated.