August 12, 2025: The construction of two new railway lines between Kurla and Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT), which began around 2015, has seen minimal progress and was highlighted as a major mismanaged project in the Comptroller and Auditor General’s (CAG) April 2025 report.
Divided into two phases—from Kurla to Parel and then Parel to CSMT—the project aims to extend the existing fifth and sixth lines between Kurla and Kalyan towards Parel and CSMT. Despite expenditure of nearly Rs 501 cr against the sanctioned Rs 891 cr, only 26% of the work had been physically completed by January 2024, indicating significant delays.
Key bottlenecks include land acquisition and rehabilitation of project-affected people (PAPs), notably in areas such as Dharavi and Matunga, where despite proposals and payments, rehabilitation remains pending. At Kurla, realigning the new corridor requires taking over existing Harbour line tracks and platforms, causing further delays. The station suffers from incomplete infrastructure, including unfinished foot overbridges.
Sion station is undergoing relocation to accommodate the new lines, with bridge and station building works underway. However, the Dharavi road overbridge tender remains stalled due to unresolved issues. Local commuters and activists express frustration over the decade-long stagnation. Subhash Gupta of Yatri Sangh Mumbai called it a “lifeline project” left half-finished, while residents lament daily overcrowding and delays.
A Central Railway spokesperson acknowledged the land acquisition hurdles and stressed ongoing efforts to resolve rehabilitation matters. “Work is proceeding in parts, including the crucial Sion bridge and Kurla elevated station projects. We are actively coordinating with local authorities to expedite land processing,” the official said.
With Rs 890.89 cr sanctioned in 2014, the project remains crucial to easing Mumbai’s suburban congestion, but progress hinges on resolving land and social challenges.
Source: Mid-day
