A major railway infrastructure project worth Rs 8,087 crore is set to transform daily travel for nearly 38 lakh commuters in Mumbai, particularly those using the Central Railway network. The long-delayed fifth and sixth railway lines between Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) and Kurla are now progressing after years of setbacks.
The project, which has faced delays for nearly 17 years due to land acquisition and rehabilitation challenges, is finally moving ahead with the removal of remaining obstacles. Authorities are preparing to begin demolition of project-affected structures at the Swadeshi Mills site in the Chunabhatti–Kurla and Dharavi belt, which was the last major hurdle.
The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority has completed the rehabilitation of 714 affected families, providing them with alternative housing. With relocation underway, demolition work is expected to be completed within a month. “The demolition work will be completed in a month,” said a senior Central Railway official.
The project is part of the Mumbai Urban Transport Project. It aims to separate suburban train operations from long-distance mail, express, and freight services on one of the city’s busiest corridors. Once completed, the newly built tracks will handle long-distance and freight trains, while the existing lines will be dedicated entirely to suburban services.
Currently, around 1,820 suburban trains operate daily on the CSMT–Kurla–Kalyan route, carrying nearly 38 lakh passengers. With additional tracks in place, train speeds and punctuality are expected to improve significantly, reducing delays for office-goers.
The project cost has risen from Rs 5,300 crore to Rs 8,087.11 crore, with additional funding support from MMRDA. Apart from track expansion, the project also includes procurement of EMUs, conversion from DC to AC systems, and station upgrades.
Source: Zee News
