In a significant step towards enhancing regional rail infrastructure, the Central Railway has finalised plans for a fourth rail line between Karjat and Panvel, aiming to double the corridor’s existing capacity. This development is expected to improve access to the upcoming Navi Mumbai International Airport and strengthen links between Navi Mumbai and Pune, a major educational and IT hub.
The proposed fourth line will run along the 29-kilometre Karjat–Panvel corridor and is estimated to cost approximately ₹491 crore. A final Detailed Project Report (DPR) was submitted to the Railway Board on 7 April, a Central Railway spokesperson confirmed. “The project will ease congestion on this vital route and improve suburban rail connectivity,” the official stated.
At present, only one line is operational along the Karjat–Panvel route, primarily serving freight and select long-distance passenger trains. Two additional lines, currently under construction by the Mumbai Rail Vikas Corporation (MRVC), are expected to be completed by December 2025 and will be exclusively used for suburban services.
The newly proposed fourth line will be developed in addition to the three existing or planned lines and is poised to further boost connectivity in the region. It is also expected to aid development in Panvel, Karjat, and the Navi Mumbai Airport Influence Notified Area (NAINA), which is being developed around the new international airport.
This project forms part of the larger Mumbai Urban Transport Project 3 (MUTP-3) and is regarded as a potential game changer for regional transit. Reports suggest that the Central Railway already has three local trains ready to begin operations on the corridor, reflecting the urgency and importance of improving commuter access ahead of the airport’s launch.
Once operational, the fourth rail line is set to significantly ease travel and support economic growth in the region.
Source: English Jagran.
