January 5, 2026: Work on the much-anticipated sixth railway line between Kandivali and Borivali has gathered pace, marking a crucial step toward easing congestion on Mumbai’s heavily used Western suburban corridor. Western Railway is undertaking the project to enhance line capacity, improve punctuality and provide relief to lakhs of daily commuters who rely on the route.
The Kandivali–Borivali stretch represents the final leg of the sixth line expansion, following the completion of earlier phases that extended the additional track from Bandra Terminus up to Kandivali. Once operational, the new line is expected to significantly streamline train movement along one of the busiest sections of the suburban network.
To facilitate intensive construction activity, Western Railway has imposed a 30-day track block that will remain in effect until January 18. During this period, major engineering works are being carried out, including track laying, signalling upgrades and overhead equipment installation. Railway officials said these planned disruptions are essential to ensure the safe and timely completion of the project.
A key objective of the sixth line is the segregation of local and express train operations. At present, suburban and long-distance trains often share tracks, leading to bottlenecks and cascading delays. The additional line will allow better routing of services, reducing congestion on existing tracks and improving overall operational efficiency.
Officials believe the new infrastructure will translate into tangible benefits for commuters, including improved punctuality, smoother peak-hour operations and enhanced service reliability. Long-distance and mail or express trains are also expected to benefit from reduced interference with suburban services.
The Kandivali–Borivali corridor is a critical link on the Western line, catering to dense residential and commercial zones. With passenger numbers continuing to rise, capacity augmentation has become a priority for Western Railway. The sixth line is seen as a vital upgrade to future-proof the corridor and accommodate growing demand.
Once completed, the project is expected to ease pressure on the Western line, making daily travel more predictable for suburban commuters while strengthening Mumbai’s broader rail infrastructure network.
