MUMBAI, September 16: Maharashtra government and the Ministry of Railways will be setting up Maharashtra Railway Infrastructure Development Corporation (MRIDC), a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV), to provide a boost to the railway infrastructure projects in the state.
The decision was taken at a review meeting on railway projects in the state, chaired by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis here today. The SPV will be set up within three months, an official in the Chief Minister's office said.
The financial closure of Mumbai Urban Transport Project would be achieved by October 2015 and the proposal for Vasai-Virar-Panvel suburban railway would be sent for inclusion in the Railway budget of 2016-17, it was decided.
Pending works of MUTP phase II should be completed by December 2016, it was decided.
The work of increasing height of platforms of Mumbai suburban railway stations should be completed by March 2018 and AC locals for Mumbai suburban railway would be introduced within six months, the official said.
Cushioned seats will be installed in all the ladies special local trains in Mumbai by October 31, 2015 and in other trains by December 31, 2015.
Development of model railway stations in Mumbai with full platform roofing, TV screens, benches, fans, clean toilets, first aid room, etc., will be undertaken in collaboration with Navi Mumbai planning body CIDCO.
The introduction of AC local trains has been much delayed. It is expected to discourage commutation by cars and decongest the city roads. First AC local train is now expected to run in January 2016.