December 29, 2025: After years of delays, the long-pending Diva Road Over Bridge (ROB) project on the Central Railway corridor is finally inching towards execution, according to the Thane Municipal Corporation (TMC). With land surveys now largely completed, the civic body has stated that construction is expected to resume soon, with a target completion date of December 2026. Once operational, the ROB is expected to significantly reduce traffic congestion at the Diva level crossing and minimise train delays on this busy suburban stretch.
The project, launched in 2019, is being jointly executed by Central Railway (CR) and TMC. While CR has completed its portion of the bridge over the railway tracks, including painting and finishing work, the approach ramps on both sides fall under TMC’s scope. These sections have remained stalled due to prolonged land acquisition issues, the Covid-19 pandemic, demolition of 11 structures, and the rehabilitation of 364 affected families.
However, resistance from landowners whose properties were acquired continues to cast uncertainty over the project’s timeline. Several residents allege that the acquisition process violated provisions of the Land Acquisition Act, 2013, and claim they have not received compensation. They have also raised concerns over disparity in payouts compared to land acquired for the Bullet Train project.
Subhash Mhatre, a landowner from Diva West, said, “My seven guntha land has been taken by the TMC for the ROB… Until we are satisfied, we will not allow construction on our land.” Similarly, Pandurang Bhoir, whose land on the east side has housed bridge pillars for over four years, said, “The Diva ROB is a classic example of how government agencies start projects without first acquiring land.”
A TMC official, speaking anonymously, said land belonging to 11 owners is involved and that surveys for nine have been completed. “The remaining surveys will be conducted in the next one or two months, after which compensation will be paid and work will resume,” the official said.
The incomplete ROB continues to severely impact Central Railway operations. The Diva level crossing opens nearly 39 times daily, affecting around 90 trains and causing frequent delays, overcrowding, and commuter inconvenience on the CSMT–Kalyan route.
Source: Hindustan Times
