October 6, 2025: The upcoming Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA), set to be inaugurated on 8 October, is driving a significant expansion of the suburban railway network at the outer edge of the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR). Key projects under way or on the drawing board include a fast line along the CSMT–Panvel corridor, upgrades to Panvel and Targhar stations, and construction of the new Panvel–Karjat suburban rail line.
The long-pending fast corridor between Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) and Panvel — first proposed in the 2009–10 Union Railway Budget and later revised in 2016 — is being revived under Phase 4 of the Mumbai Urban Transport Project (MUTP), implemented by the Mumbai Rail Vikas Corporation (MRVC). The plan had earlier been shelved as focus shifted to Mumbai’s expanding metro network.
Senior railway officials said that MUTP 4 will prioritise corridors with city-wide commuter benefits. “We are finalising consulting firms to conduct feasibility studies for new suburban lines across MMR, including a fast rail corridor on the Harbour Line, improved station designs, and safety measures,” a railway official said.
The proposed 47-km fast line, which will start from the eastern side of CSMT, will likely be re-aligned to accommodate the Atal Setu and Sewri–Worli connector. It was originally designed to handle 39,000 peak-hour passengers by 2031, with trains running every four to five minutes.
Simultaneously, station upgrades near NMIA are gathering pace. Targhar station — located just a kilometre from the airport — is being developed with terrace parking, retail areas, and integrated shuttle services. Panvel station, meanwhile, is undergoing a major expansion to accommodate the new Panvel–Karjat suburban corridor, additional platforms, and a freight line.
Experts say the NMIA will catalyse real estate and economic growth across Panvel and its adjoining areas. “Connectivity-led transformation is fuelling both residential and commercial demand,” said Amitesh Shah, Zonal CEO, Mumbai Zone, Godrej Properties.
When complete, Panvel station will expand from six to twelve platforms, reinforcing its position as a critical transport hub for Mumbai’s fast-growing suburban network.
Source: Hindustan Times
