Mumbai’s proposed Bhivpuri and Wangaon car sheds, planned to support the expanding Mumbai Suburban Railway network, remain unfinished seven years after receiving approval. The projects were included under the Mumbai Railway Development Corporation’s (MRVC) plans in 2019, but delays involving land acquisition, statutory clearances and contracting have pushed back construction.
MRVC has earmarked around Rs 2,353 crore for the two facilities under the Mumbai Urban Transport Project-3A (MUTP-3A). The car sheds are intended to strengthen maintenance infrastructure for new suburban routes and future air-conditioned local trains.
Bhivpuri work finally underway
The Bhivpuri facility requires 45.24 hectares, comprising 42.28 hectares of private land and 2.96 hectares of government land. Although the land has been secured, the contract for major civil works was awarded only in August 2025.
The scope includes land development, soil filling and compaction, bridge expansion, retaining walls, drainage systems and internal roads. MRVC said construction has gained momentum, with around 7.16 lakh cubic metres of earthwork completed and retaining-wall work progressing.
However, key components such as the maintenance shed, inspection facility, washing line and stabilisation line are yet to be completed. Approvals for bridge designs and the engineering-scale plan are also still being processed.
Wangaon awaits further forest clearance
The Wangaon car shed requires approximately 43.68 hectares, including 3.64 hectares of private land, while a substantial portion is forest land. The project received in-principle forest clearance for its first phase in February 2026, but approval for the second phase remains pending.
New suburban routes add urgency
Bhivpuri is linked to the proposed Panvel-Karjat suburban corridor, while Wangaon is associated with the Virar-Dahanu route. The Panvel-Karjat local service is expected to begin in 2027, although Bhivpuri may not be ready by then.
The two facilities are expected to reduce pressure on existing Central and Western Railway car sheds. MRVC plans to develop Bhivpuri to stabilise and maintain up to 20 12-coach local trains.
“MRVC plans to strengthen the existing maintenance facilities including Bhivpuri and Wangaon car sheds to meet the maintenance and repair requirements of the future growing fleet of Mumbai Suburban Railways. Various works in the project are being taken up in a phased manner as per the relevant approvals, plans and technical procedures,” an MRVC official said.
Source: Loksatta
