August 18, 2025: The Mumbai Rail Vikas Corporation (MRVC) has unveiled an ambitious proposal worth Rs 15,000 crore to build new rail corridors aimed at relieving pressure on the city’s heavily burdened suburban network, according to a report in the Hindustan Times.
The plan seeks to separate suburban train operations from long-distance passenger and freight services along the Central Railway routes. As part of the proposal, new corridors have been identified along the Kalyan–Kasara and Kalyan–Karjat lines, as well as a 60-kilometre-long dedicated suburban corridor between Panvel and Vasai.
Officials confirmed that the proposal has already been submitted to the Maharashtra government for approval. Once sanctioned, it will mark a key milestone under Phase 3B of the Mumbai Urban Transport Project (MUTP), designed to modernise and expand rail infrastructure across the metropolitan region.
“The purpose of MUTP 3B is complete segregation of mainline and suburban services. These three corridors are the last pieces remaining. At present, the Panvel–Vasai route is a mainline used by long-distance and MEMU trains. The new corridor will be reserved solely for local services,” a senior railway official told the Hindustan Times.
The expansion is expected to enhance connectivity for commuters across Panvel, Navi Mumbai, Vasai–Virar and Kalyan, areas experiencing rapid urban growth and surging passenger demand. In addition to the three new corridors, the plan includes two elevated flyovers from Vasai — one towards Virar and another towards Borivali — intended to further streamline suburban and long-distance operations.
Clearances for the projects are anticipated in the coming months. Once completed, the new infrastructure is projected to ease congestion, improve punctuality, and significantly enhance the reliability of services for millions of daily rail passengers in Mumbai.
Source: Swarajya
