September 29, 2025: The Mumbai Railway Vikas Corporation (MRVC) has reported significant progress on the Rs 3,578 crore Virar–Dahanu Road quadrupling project, a key component of the Mumbai Urban Transport Project (MUTP) Phase III. The corridor, designed to enhance suburban rail connectivity in the northern suburbs, has reached 86% completion of earthwork, including 23.5 lakh cubic metres of filling and 2.18 lakh cubic metres of cutting.
Currently, the 63-kilometre stretch has nine operational stations, including Virar, Dahanu Road, Palghar, Boisar, Umroli, Vaitarna, Saphale, Kelve Road, and Vangaon. Virar handles over 5.8 lakh daily commuters, while Dahanu Road sees more than 2.6 lakh. Smaller stations such as Vaitarna and Boisar also record consistently high passenger traffic, highlighting the corridor’s importance.
MRVC officials have identified seven potential new stations along the route — Wadhiv, Sartodi, Makunsar, Chintupada, Panchali, Wanjarwada, and BSES Colony. These proposed stations are not part of the ongoing quadrupling project but may be developed in the future if passenger demand warrants.
Infrastructure works along the corridor include the construction of several bridges and road underbridges (RUBs), most of which are now structurally complete. At major stations such as Virar and Vaitarna, facilities including RPF/GRP and RRI buildings, substations, gang tool rooms, and water tanks have been completed, with station building and deck works underway. At Palghar, Saphale, Kelve Road, Boisar, Vangaon, Umroli, and Dahanu Road, new station buildings, foot overbridges, connecting overpasses, staff quarters, relay huts, and operational control structures are at an advanced stage. Signalling and telecom installations, including cable laying, are progressing steadily.
Once operational, the upgraded corridor will increase service frequency and capacity on the Western Railway line, easing congestion and improving commute times. MRVC has reaffirmed its commitment to complete the project by the end of the 2026–27 financial year, subject to any unforeseen legal, environmental, or force majeure challenges.
Source: The Free Press Journal
