Central Railway has commissioned a 13.53-km third railway line between Khardi and Kasara in Maharashtra’s Thane district after receiving approval from the Commissioner of Railway Safety. The line was opened for operations following a successful speed trial at 117 kmph and has been authorised for train services at 100 kmph.

The commissioning took place after a 12-hour traffic block during which railway officials completed major track connections and remodelling work at Kasara Yard. The project is part of the Kalyan-Kasara third-line scheme and is intended to increase capacity and ease congestion on the busy Mumbai-Kasara corridor when the full project is completed.

The work included laying an electrified track through hilly terrain, strengthening and extending bridges, undertaking extensive earthwork, installing modern signalling and electrification systems, and upgrading the Khardi and Kasara railway yards. Central Railway said the new line would improve punctuality and support smoother movement of passenger and freight trains.

Separately, Central Railway has made arrangements at Nagpur and Ajni stations for the Dhamma Chakra Pravartan Din celebrations, which began on Monday and will continue until October 22. The four-day event commemorates Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar’s conversion to Buddhism with a large gathering at Deekshabhoomi in Nagpur on October 14, 1956, and the railway expects 250,000 additional passengers.

The railway will operate 26 special train services and provide temporary halts for 14 trains at Ajni from October 19 to 22. Holding areas with lighting, fans, mobile toilets and seating are being established, while five additional Mobile Unreserved Ticketing System facilities, extra ticket-checking staff, medical services, security and a Passenger Assistance Centre will support travellers. Car parking at both stations will remain closed, and supplies of drinking water, more than 100 banners and 25 large hoardings will provide information on train timings, halts and movement restrictions.