The Western Railway, in collaboration with the Palghar district administration, has initiated the process of acquiring land for the much-anticipated fifth and sixth railway lines on the Borivali-Palghar corridor. This significant infrastructure project is expected to alleviate the heavy load on the current fast corridor, which is primarily used by suburban trains.
To make way for these new railway lines, 122 properties in Vasai tehsil are set to be acquired. According to Palghar district collector Govind Bodke, the acquisition process is already underway. The expansion at Vasai station is particularly noteworthy, with plans to construct larger platforms to accommodate the increased traffic. The land required includes areas currently occupied by housing societies, commercial spaces, and salt pans, some of which are already owned by the railways.
The acquisition effort is comprehensive, targeting properties across several locations, including Divanman, Achole, Navghar, Manikpur, and Umela. These areas consist of both residential and agricultural land, reflecting the diverse landscape that the project will impact.
On August 7, the railways made a public announcement regarding their intention to acquire these properties, marking a critical step forward in the project. The Western Railway corridor project, with a sanctioned budget of ₹2,184.02 crore, is progressing according to plan. The designs and estimates have been approved, a drone survey has been completed, and the alignment of the tracks has been finalized. Additionally, the plans for all major and minor bridges have received the necessary approvals, indicating that the groundwork for the project is firmly in place.
The Mumbai Rail Vikas Corporation (MRVC), the organization responsible for executing the project, has set an ambitious target to begin operations by December 2027. Progress is already visible on multiple fronts. The contract for constructing service buildings and railway quarters has been awarded, and work is in full swing. At Mira Road, construction of the relay room, signal office, tool room, and Railway Protection Force (RPF) barracks at Dahisar is ongoing. Similarly, the station building at Naigaon and railway quarters at Vasai Road and Bhayander are under construction.
The MRVC spokesperson highlighted that the tender for relocating existing structures was awarded on October 16 last year, and this aspect of the project is also advancing well. In addition to these developments, the construction and modification of Foot Over Bridges (FOBs) and platforms have been divided into two separate lots, with tenders awarded on February 6 and February 7. Work on these elements has already commenced, further illustrating the project’s forward momentum.
A significant component of the project involves the construction of all major bridges, road over bridges (ROBs), minor bridges, and the associated earthwork necessary for the proposed embankment. A tender for this phase was invited on June 6, signaling the beginning of the next stage of development.
This project is a crucial part of the broader efforts to improve the railway infrastructure in the Mumbai metropolitan region. The addition of the fifth and sixth lines is expected to significantly enhance the capacity and efficiency of the Western Railway corridor, providing much-needed relief to the congested fast corridor currently in use. By dedicating these new lines exclusively to suburban trains, the project aims to streamline operations and reduce travel time for the millions of commuters who rely on this vital transportation network daily.
The importance of this project cannot be overstated, as it is poised to address some of the longstanding issues faced by the Western Railway. The current fast corridor is heavily burdened, with trains often running at full capacity during peak hours. This not only causes delays but also contributes to the overcrowding that has become a common experience for commuters. By adding these new lines, the railways hope to create a more efficient and reliable service, ultimately improving the overall commuter experience.
Moreover, the expansion at Vasai station, with its larger platforms, will play a key role in accommodating the increased passenger flow expected once the new lines are operational. This development is particularly significant given the station’s strategic location and its role as a major hub on the Western Railway network.
The acquisition of land and the subsequent construction activities will undoubtedly have an impact on the local communities. However, the long-term benefits of this project are expected to outweigh the temporary inconveniences. The railways and the Palghar district administration are likely to work closely with the affected parties to ensure a smooth transition and to mitigate any potential disruptions.
In conclusion, the commencement of land acquisition for the fifth and sixth railway lines on the Borivali-Palghar corridor marks a major milestone in the ongoing efforts to upgrade Mumbai’s railway infrastructure. With a clear plan in place, significant progress already made, and a dedicated team of professionals overseeing the project, the future of the Western Railway looks promising. Commuters can look forward to a more efficient, reliable, and comfortable travel experience in the years to come as the project moves closer to completion.
