December 11, 2025: The long-pending plan for a Mumbai–Nashik local train has gained major momentum with the Railway Board approving two new railway lines between Manmad and Kasara. Spanning 131 kilometres, the upgraded corridor is designed to eliminate the technical limitations that have stalled suburban services beyond Kasara for years. The Maharashtra Index announced the approval, noting that the new alignment will enable faster and smoother train operations through the Sahyadri range.
The project’s centrepiece is a network of 18 tunnels aimed at easing steep gradients that currently require long-distance trains to use banker engines. With land acquisition notifications issued and officials appointed, Central Railway has begun accelerating groundwork. The new lines will also include dedicated freight tracks, easing pressure on the existing route and freeing up capacity for more passenger and suburban services.
According to officials, the fresh alignment marks a breakthrough in resolving the biggest obstacle to seamless commuter travel between Nashik and Mumbai. The project will finally make it technically feasible to run suburban trains beyond Kasara and extend them to Nashik, meeting a long-standing demand from daily passengers. The enhanced capacity will give Central Railway the flexibility to add more services and reduce congestion during peak hours across one of India’s busiest rail corridors.
Once complete, the Mumbai–Nashik–Manmad stretch is expected to emerge as a high-efficiency regional link. The smoother track profile will support consistent speeds, cut travel time and reduce fuel consumption, helping minimise operational delays. The line is also expected to strengthen freight connectivity and support industrial growth across north Maharashtra.
With phased construction being lined up for next year, the ambitious project is now firmly on track to reshape regional mobility and create a future-ready transport corridor between Mumbai and Nashik.
Source: The Free Press Journal
