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The government is carrying out major capacity augmentation works across the Mumbai suburban rail network to improve passenger convenience and safety, Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw informed the Lok Sabha on Tuesday.

Replying to a question in the Lok Sabha, Minister Vaishnaw said that the procurement process is currently underway for installing automatic door systems in 238 new suburban train rakes. The move is aimed at enhancing passenger safety on one of the world’s busiest suburban rail networks.

To improve connectivity for commuters in the Mumbai suburban region, new train stoppages have also been introduced in Palghar district. The minister said that Palghar and Boisar stations currently handle a significant volume of rail traffic, with 104 and 99 train services operating daily, respectively.

Palghar station is served by 104 trains, including 46 mail and express services, 16 passenger trains and 42 suburban services. Similarly, Boisar station sees 99 trains, comprising 41 Mail and Express services, 16 passenger trains and 42 suburban trains.

As part of recent passenger-friendly measures, the Bandra (T)–Bhuj Kutch Express (22955/22956) has been provided a halt at Palghar with effect from May 17, 2025. The Shri Ganganagar–Dadar Express (12489/12490) has also been given a stoppage at Palghar from May 18, 2025. In addition, the Bandra (T)–Ahmedabad Lok Shakti Express (22927/22928) will stop at Safale station, located near Palghar, from September 4, 2025.

The minister noted that Palghar and Boisar stations are currently served by a wide range of long-distance Mail and Express trains, MEMU services, passenger trains and suburban local services, ensuring better regional and intercity connectivity for commuters and long-distance travellers alike.

Vaishnaw reiterated the government’s commitment to strengthening Mumbai’s suburban rail infrastructure through capacity expansion, improved safety systems and enhanced passenger amenities, keeping in mind the growing commuter demand in the metropolitan region.

On Friday, Railway Minister Vaishnav informed Parliament that the number of fog safety devices in the Railways to prevent accidents and to reduce delays in the running of trains during the winter season has increased from 90 in 2014 to 25,939 in 2025, a 288-fold increase.

In a written reply to a question in the Rajya Sabha, the minister said that a GPS-based Fog Safety Device (FSD) is provided to loco pilots in fog-affected areas, which enables loco pilots to know the distance of the approaching landmarks like signals, level crossing gates, etc., which helps to prevent accidents.