The long-pending Kalwa-Airoli elevated railway corridor has moved closer to execution after a major hurdle involving land acquisition and rehabilitation of project-affected families was partially resolved. The project, which aims to directly connect the Central Railway and Trans-Harbour Railway networks, is expected to significantly improve rail connectivity between Kalyan, Karjat, Kasara and Navi Mumbai.
The corridor forms part of the Mumbai Urban Transport Project (MUTP)-3 and was approved in November 2016. However, progress remained stalled for nearly a decade due to encroachments and delays in securing land required for construction.
In a key development, authorities have rehabilitated 350 project-affected families and demolished the huts that stood in the project alignment. The affected residents were provided alternative housing in Balkum, Thane. Officials said this has enabled the administration to take possession of nearly half of the land required for the second phase of the project.
The first phase of the corridor was completed with the commissioning of Digha Gaon station in January 2024. For the second phase, a total of 2.40 hectares of land is required, of which 1.87 hectares of government land is already with the Mumbai Railway Vikas Corporation (MRVC). Acquisition of the remaining 0.53 hectares of private land is still underway.
Authorities are continuing efforts to rehabilitate another 436 families in Shivajinagar, Kalwa, where local residents and representatives have opposed relocation. The state government is holding discussions to resolve the issue and complete the remaining land acquisition process.
The upgraded corridor is designed to facilitate direct local train services between Kalyan and Airoli, easing congestion at Thane station and improving travel across the Mumbai Metropolitan Region.
According to officials, nearly 95% of the required land has already been acquired. Once full possession is secured, construction is expected to be completed within 36 months. The project, originally estimated to cost Rs 476 crore, has witnessed significant cost escalation due to delays, with railway authorities estimating an increase of nearly Rs 200 crore.
Source: Maharashtra Times
