The Central Railway has announced plans for a new fourth rail line in Maharashtra, connecting Karjat and Panvel. This 29-kilometer route is designed to improve connectivity within the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR) and will provide a direct link between the Navi Mumbai International Airport and Pune. The Detailed Project Report (DPR) was submitted to the Railway Board on April 7, 2023, with an estimated budget of ₹491 crore. The project aims to reduce congestion on the busy Karjat-Panvel route and enhance suburban train services.
This new line will complement two other suburban lines being developed by the Mumbai Rail Vikas Corporation. It is expected to be finished by December 2025. The existing route mainly serves freight and some long-distance passengers. And the new line will build on this infrastructure to increase capacity and shorten travel times.
Central Railway Project Will Also Include Some Of The Longest Bridges And Tunnels
The revised suburban corridor is set to include some of the longest bridges and tunnels in the Mumbai area. This initiative is part of the larger Mumbai Urban Transport Project 3 (MUTP-3). It seeks to transform transportation in the region. Additionally, Central Railway is preparing three local trains specifically for this corridor.
In summary, the new rail line is expected to greatly enhance transportation links, making the Navi Mumbai airport more accessible for travelers from Pune and improving overall connectivity in the MMR, especially benefiting the developing areas around Panvel, Karjat, and other surrounding areas.
