A major milestone has been reached with the completion of 33% of the Virar-Dahanu Road quadrupling project, which aims to establish a dedicated corridor for suburban services. By giving suburban trains a dedicated track, this significant infrastructure project seeks to reduce traffic. Currently, suburban trains share routes with long-distance services outside of Virar. The project, which is anticipated to be completed in 2026, will increase the suburban railway network’s capacity and efficiency, facilitating thousands of passengers’ commutes.
The Mumbai Rail Vikas Corporation (MRVC), which is overseeing the project, has confirmed that all 31 project sheets have been approved. Additionally, the required clearances for 2 key bridges, 16 major bridges, and 67 minor bridges have been received. The total sanctioned cost for the project stands at ₹3,578 crore, with significant progress being made on infrastructure development and land acquisition.
The project requires 10.26 hectares of government land and 29.17 hectares of private land, both of which MRVC has so far successfully obtained. With significant developments in the building of both small and large bridges, earthwork is moving forward at a steady pace. For example, work on Bridge No. 93 is still ongoing, with piles and piers only partially completed, while 536 piles, 45 pile caps, and 72 spans have been completed on Important Bridge No. 92.
The project also includes the construction of station buildings, service facilities, and staff quarters at key stations such as Virar, Vaitarna, Palghar, Saphale, Kelve Road, and Dahanu Road. Platform construction, retaining walls, and other station infrastructure are actively under development. Work at stations like Virar, Vaitarna, Palghar, Boisar, and Dahanu Road is progressing, with new facilities such as foot overbridges and platform retaining walls under construction at Saphale, Kelve Road, and Palghar.
The construction of a new cargo depot and other necessary infrastructure is also in progress in Boisar. Overall, the project is moving along at a steady pace, and MRVC is optimistic that it will make its 2026 goal. The Virar-Dahanu Road line’s quadrupling will greatly enhance the suburban railway system and give commuters much-needed respite.
Source: The Free Press Journal
