A transformative ₹491 crore rail infrastructure project is currently underway in Maharashtra, aimed at easing congestion and enhancing regional connectivity. Scheduled for completion by December 2025, this new 29-kilometre line between Karjat and Panvel is set to significantly improve access to the upcoming Navi Mumbai International Airport, especially for travellers from Pune.
The corridor is designed to alleviate the pressure on the existing Karjat–Panvel railway stretch, which currently accommodates both suburban and long-distance trains and frequently suffers from overcrowding. The new fourth line will offer smoother, faster travel for thousands of daily commuters, effectively modernising the suburban rail network.
Central Railway finalised and submitted the Detailed Project Report (DPR) to the Railway Board on 7 April 2025, marking a major milestone. The new alignment includes some of the longest tunnels and bridges in the region, making it not only an expansion but also a significant upgrade. Additionally, the existing track used mainly for freight and intercity trains will be doubled, boosting capacity and reducing delays.
The project is part of a wider regional development strategy led by the Mumbai Rail Vikas Corporation, which is also constructing two additional suburban lines across the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR), all slated for completion by the end of 2025. The combined impact is expected to revolutionise daily commuting, enhance cargo movement, and strengthen intercity connections.
Particularly beneficial will be the improved travel link between Pune and Navi Mumbai International Airport, streamlining access to air travel. With three local trains already prepared for deployment, anticipation is growing for the line’s inauguration.
As construction continues at pace, the project is poised to deliver both economic and social benefits, transforming mobility within the region and fostering greater urban integration.
Source: Urban Acres.
