The ambitious project to quadruple the Virar-Dahanu Road section on the Western Railway is making significant strides, with completion targeted for December 2025. The project, executed by the Mumbai Railway Vikas Corporation (MRVC), aims to enhance rail connectivity and ease congestion on this vital stretch.
Here's an update on the project's progress:
The project has achieved 16% physical progress and 19% financial progress, indicating steady advancement towards its goals.
"The detailed estimate for the project has been approved, and all 31 project sheets and the General Arrangement Drawings (GADs) for two important bridges, 16 major bridges, and 67 minor bridges have received the necessary approvals. Furthermore, eight out of nine Engineering Scale Plans (ESPs) have been approved, with the remaining one under the approval process," said Sunil Udasi, Chief Public Relations Officer of MRVC.
Land Acquisition Milestones
Regarding land acquisition, significant milestones have been reached. The required 29.14 hectares of private land have been acquired, and the compensation amount has been transferred to the revenue authority for disbursement. Possession of the entire private land has also been obtained. Moreover, the acquisition of 10.26 hectares of government land has been successfully completed.
Forest Clearance and Mangrove Cutting
Regarding forest land, 3.77 hectares have been acquired, but additional forest clearance for 26.51 hectares of land is required, including both forest and railway land. Stage I clearance was received in February 2022, and Stage II clearance was granted by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MOEF&CC) on January 16, 2023. Permission to work in non-mangrove forest areas has been obtained from the Divisional Forest Conservator (DCF) in Dahanu. However, due to the involvement of mangrove cutting (24.57 hectares), permission from the Bombay High Court is also required, and a writ petition has been filed accordingly. The project has also applied for Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) clearance, with the Maharashtra Coastal Zone Management Authority (MCRZA) recommending clearance to the MOEF&CC.
Construction Contracts and Execution
According to a senior officer of MRVC, significant progress has been made in the execution of the project. The General Consultant was appointed in October 2019 and has been mobilized effectively. Contracts for Important Bridge No. 92 and 93 were awarded in April 2021, with work currently in progress for bridge No. 92. In addition, contracts for earthwork and bridges in two lots were awarded in July 2021, with 22 bridges completed and work underway on 15 more. The tender for a Road Overbridge (ROB) at LC 55A was awarded on January 13, 2023, and construction is in progress. Furthermore, the contract for the construction of station buildings, service buildings, staff quarters, platforms, etc., for Virar and Vaitarna stations was awarded on August 29, 2022, and work is underway. Another tender for the remaining two lots for the construction of station buildings and associated infrastructure between Vaitarna and Dahanu Road was awarded on February 22, 2023.
Project Outlook and Official Statement
"The quadrupling of the Virar-Dahanu Road section on the Western Railway is a crucial infrastructure project that will greatly enhance rail connectivity and alleviate congestion in the region. With significant progress achieved across various aspects, including land acquisition, forest clearance, and the execution of construction contracts, the project is on track to meet its target completion by December 2025," said an official of MRVC.
