One of Mumbai’s most-awaited suburban rail infrastructure upgrades on the Western Railway corridor has crossed a key regulatory milestone. The newly built sixth railway line between Kandivali and Borivali has received clearance from the Commissioner of Railway Safety (CRS), bringing the Borivali–Virar fifth and sixth line expansion a step closer to operational reality. Railway officials say the approval will help Western Railway increase the number of local train services and improve punctuality on the heavily congested Churchgate–Borivali and Churchgate–Virar routes.
The project is being implemented by the Mumbai Railway Vikas Corporation (MRVC) under the Mumbai Urban Transport Project (MUTP) Phase 3A. The overall cost of the Borivali–Virar expansion is estimated at around Rs 2,184 crore, with the entire stretch targeted for completion by 2028.
Successful Trial Runs on the Sixth Line
Trial runs on the newly completed sixth line were conducted on Monday using both local and long-distance trains. These tests assessed track alignment, signalling systems and overall operational safety. The first long-distance service to operate on the sixth line was the Bandra Terminus–Chandigarh Superfast Express, which entered the line at Borivali at 7:20 am and exited at Malad at 7:41 am. This was followed by the first local train, which departed Borivali at 8:22 am and crossed Malad at 8:41 am.
Railway officials confirmed that the trials were successful, though a few technical compliances remain pending before final authorisation is granted.
When Will New Local Services Begin?
Western Railway plans to introduce at least six additional local train services on the Churchgate–Borivali and Churchgate–Virar routes. These are expected to feature in the revised suburban timetable scheduled for April.
However, Hindustan Tims, citing railway sources, reported that efforts are underway to start services earlier, possibly as soon as January, subject to timely approvals. “There are multiple compliances still pending. It will take a couple of days for this, after which we will get authorisation from the Commissioner of Railway Safety. Once this process is complete, we will be able to run trains on the new lines,” a Western Railway official was quoted as saying by HT.
Why the Sixth Line Matters
The addition of the sixth line will allow long-distance trains to be diverted away from the fast suburban tracks. Nearly nine long-distance services currently operating from Bandra Terminus are expected to be shifted to the fifth and sixth lines. This segregation is aimed at freeing up capacity for local trains, reducing delays and enabling higher service frequency during peak hours.
Engineering Scale and Bridge Works
The Borivali–Virar project involves significant engineering challenges, particularly bridge construction across creeks, roads and water channels. The scope includes three major bridges, 16 minor bridges, one road underpass and two key rail bridges over Vasai Creek, also known as Bhayandar Khadi, as reported by Mid-day. Bridge numbers 73 and 75 are among the most critical structures, with foundation work for Bridge No. 73 already underway. An old heritage railway bridge near Bhayandar is also being dismantled.
Station-Wise Changes Along the Route
Several stations will see layout changes. Borivali will largely avoid major remodelling, with new lines constructed west of existing tracks. Dahisar will see slow-line platforms shifted north due to space constraints, while Mira Road will get new western-side platforms. Bhayandar will undergo significant reconfiguration of platforms for slow and fast services. New platforms and stabling lines are planned at Naigaon and Vasai Road, while Nallasopara will receive a new home platform. Virar will see two new platforms added at the southern end.
Progress and Remaining Challenges
To date, the project has achieved approximately 18% physical progress. Delays have arisen due to land acquisition hurdles, legal disputes and environmental restrictions. While most private land has been acquired, the acquisition of saltpan land and the relocation of railway quarters remain ongoing. Forest clearances have been secured, and work in mangrove areas is proceeding under strict monitoring by the Bombay High Court and the Mangrove Cell.
Source: News18
