Mumbai: The ambitious Panvel-Karjat suburban railway corridor is swiftly moving toward completion, with over two-thirds of the work already finished. The Mumbai Railway Vikas Corporation (MRVC), the implementing agency, is aiming to complete the project by the end of this year. Total estimated cost of Rs 2,782.00 crore.
According to MRVC, out of nine major bridges, six have been completed. Of the 35 minor bridges, 33 have been completed. One Road Over Bridge (ROB) has been completed, while work is in progress on the remaining four. Of the 16 Road Under Bridges (RUBs), 15 have been completed. Work on both the Panvel and Karjat rail flyovers is currently in progress.
Similarly, all excavation work for the three tunnels has been completed, and allied works are presently underway. Track linking has commenced, ballast formation work is in progress, and PSC sleeper unloading is ongoing.
Work progresses on Panvel-Karjat suburban corridor; MRVC eyes year-end launch | File Photo
"There are five stations on the corridor—Panvel, Chikhale, Mohape, Chowk, and Karjat. Station building and associated works are ongoing at all locations," said an official.
Once operational, the new corridor is expected to significantly cut travel time between Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) and Karjat by nearly 30 minutes, providing much-needed relief to daily commuters in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region.
The Panvel-Karjat link is a crucial part of the Mumbai Urban Transport Project (MUTP) Phase 3 and aims to enhance connectivity between the harbor line and the central suburbs. The double line suburban corridor will not only ease congestion on existing routes but also open up better commuting options for passengers from Navi Mumbai, Raigad, and adjoining areas.
The project is expected to be a game-changer for intra-city travel, boosting regional development and enhancing the suburban rail network’s efficiency and reach.
