In a major boost to Mumbai’s railway infrastructure, the Maharashtra state government has granted final approval to divert 29.32 hectares of forest land across Mumbai, Thane, and Palghar districts. This clearance will facilitate two crucial rail projects — the fifth and sixth lines between Borivli and Virar and the third line between Kalyan and Kasara.
For the Borivli–Virar stretch, Western Railway will clear 12.78 hectares of mangrove land, including 3.68 hectares in Dahisar (Mumbai), 1.42 hectares in Penkar Pada (Thane), and 7.66 hectares in Umale village (Palghar). This project, executed by the Mumbai Railway Vikas Corporation (MRVC) under MUTP 3A, covers 26 km and is expected to cost ₹2,184 crore. It aims to decongest one of the busiest corridors by creating dedicated tracks for suburban and long-distance services.
Simultaneously, Central Railway’s Kalyan–Kasara third line project will require 16.54 hectares of forest land across 17 villages in Thane district. These areas include reserved forests, rehabilitated private lands, and officially notified forest zones. The Chief Conservator of Forests has given conditional approval, valid until December 5, 2025. The forest department has mandated that natural water bodies, including rivers and streams, remain undisturbed during project implementation.
The Kalyan–Kasara third line, sanctioned in September 2015 at an estimated cost of ₹792 crore, is vital for reducing the load on the heavily used twin-line section currently serving both local and long-distance trains.
Additionally, work is ongoing to construct the fifth and sixth rail lines between Mumbai Central and Borivli. Once complete, the Mumbai Central–Virar route will feature six rail lines — three each for suburban and express services — significantly enhancing the capacity and operational efficiency of this key transport corridor.
Source: The Times of India
