Commuters in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR) may get direct local train services between Virar and Panvel in near future, as the Mumbai Rail Vikas Corporation (MRVC) has included the Panvel-Vasai Suburban Railway Project in the Mumbai Urban Transport Project (MUTP) 3 B. Once local services commence on this route, an extension to Virar will also become possible.
"Recognising the growing need for improved connectivity, MRVC has proposed the construction of a third and fourth railway line between Panvel and Vasai. This comes as the Virar-Vasai section is already covered under MUTP 3 A as part of the planned fifth and sixth railway lines between Borivali and Virar" said an official adding that The updated proposal ( Panvel - Vasai Third Fourth line) has been included under MUTP 3 B and is currently under consideration for implementation.
Enhanced Connectivity Across MMR
Another MRVC official highlighted the significance of this project, stating, "This corridor will enhance accessibility to Northern MMR, improve East-West connectivity, and provide an additional suburban rail link integrated with the existing network."
Apart from the Panvel-Vasai route, the project will also facilitate suburban train operations in multiple directions, allowing trains to run from Panvel to both Borivali and Virar. Once completed, this network expansion is expected to significantly ease travel across the region, offering commuters a faster and more efficient mode of transport.
Boost to Infrastructure and Regional Development
The Panvel railway station, which is just 10 minutes from the upcoming Navi Mumbai International Airport, already serves as a crucial transit point with local train services connecting it to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT). Additionally, a separate suburban corridor between Panvel and Karjat is currently under construction.
Long-Standing Demand of Commuters
Currently, only a few Mainline Electric Multiple Unit (MEMU) services operate between Panvel, Diva, and Vasai, with limited frequency. Commuters have been consistently demanding the launch of a dedicated local train service on the Panvel-Vasai route. Many believe that once this corridor becomes operational, it will pave the way for rapid urban development in the region.
However, this is not the first time that a Panvel-Virar suburban corridor has been proposed. It was initially included in MUTP 3 but later dropped. Nevertheless, with renewed focus on expanding Mumbai's suburban railway network, authorities are optimistic about finally making this long-pending demand a reality.
"If everything goes according to plan, direct suburban train services between Panvel and Virar could soon offer commuters a faster and more convenient travel option, further strengthening Mumbai’s public transport infrastructure" said a senior officer of Mumbai Rail Vikas Corporation.Commuters in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR) may get direct local train services between Virar and Panvel in near future, as the Mumbai Rail Vikas Corporation (MRVC) has included the Panvel-Vasai Suburban Railway Project in the Mumbai Urban Transport Project (MUTP) 3 B. Once local services commence on this route, an extension to Virar will also become possible."

Recognising the growing need for improved connectivity, MRVC has proposed the construction of a third and fourth railway line between Panvel and Vasai. This comes as the Virar-Vasai section is already covered under MUTP 3 A as part of the planned fifth and sixth railway lines between Borivali and Virar" said an official adding that The updated proposal ( Panvel - Vasai Third Fourth line) has been included under MUTP 3 B and is currently under consideration for implementation.
Enhanced Connectivity Across MMR
Another MRVC official highlighted the significance of this project, stating, "This corridor will enhance accessibility to Northern MMR, improve East-West connectivity, and provide an additional suburban rail link integrated with the existing network."Apart from the Panvel-Vasai route, the project will also facilitate suburban train operations in multiple directions, allowing trains to run from Panvel to both Borivali and Virar. Once completed, this network expansion is expected to significantly ease travel across the region, offering commuters a faster and more efficient mode of transport.
Boost to Infrastructure and Regional Development
The Panvel railway station, which is just 10 minutes from the upcoming Navi Mumbai International Airport, already serves as a crucial transit point with local train services connecting it to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT). Additionally, a separate suburban corridor between Panvel and Karjat is currently under construction.

Long-Standing Demand of Commuters
Currently, only a few Mainline Electric Multiple Unit (MEMU) services operate between Panvel, Diva, and Vasai, with limited frequency. Commuters have been consistently demanding the launch of a dedicated local train service on the Panvel-Vasai route. Many believe that once this corridor becomes operational, it will pave the way for rapid urban development in the region.However, this is not the first time that a Panvel-Virar suburban corridor has been proposed. It was initially included in MUTP 3 but later dropped. Nevertheless, with renewed focus on expanding Mumbai's suburban railway network, authorities are optimistic about finally making this long-pending demand a reality."If everything goes according to plan, direct suburban train services between Panvel and Virar could soon offer commuters a faster and more convenient travel option, further strengthening Mumbai’s public transport infrastructure" said a senior officer of Mumbai Rail Vikas Corporation.