September 15, 2025: Mumbai’s suburban railway network has taken a major stride forward with the construction of a new elevated Harbour Line station at Kurla, part of the forthcoming 5th and 6th line corridor.
Over the weekend, the Central Railway implemented a 14.5-hour mega block to divert tracks between Kurla and Tilak Nagar, clearing the way for the ambitious project. As part of the initiative, the railway shifted the tracks westwards to accommodate the new elevated station, which will manage both regular Harbour Line traffic and services originating or terminating at Kurla, officials confirmed.
Kurla station has long been a pivotal interchange, linking the Harbour Line – connecting CSMT to Navi Mumbai and Panvel – with the Central Line that serves the city’s eastern suburbs. The station also connects to long-distance routes, making it one of Mumbai’s busiest junctions. The Harbour Line alone ferries hundreds of thousands of daily commuters, providing direct access between South Mumbai and satellite cities such as Navi Mumbai, Thane, and Raigad.
The new alignment is expected to free up capacity for the 5th and 6th lines, separating suburban operations from long-distance services. The elevated station will feature three platforms: dedicated lines for CSMT-bound trains, Navi Mumbai services, and a central platform with reversal facilities at the Panvel end. This setup will allow shuttle services between Kurla and Panvel and streamline through-route operations.
The elevated corridor will commence after Chunabhatti station and rejoin ground-level tracks near Tilak Nagar, spanning the Santacruz–Chembur Link Road (SCLR) over specially treated marshland. Officials highlighted that the elevated structure will mitigate monsoon-related delays, a chronic problem on the Harbour Line.
“This elevated station will not only streamline traffic but also significantly improve the punctuality of Harbour Line services. Once operational, all Harbour Line operations currently at ground level in Kurla will shift to the elevated station,” a railway source said. The project marks a crucial step in enhancing Mumbai’s suburban railway capacity and commuter experience.
Source: Swarajya
