The Mumbai Rail Vikas Corporation (MRVC) has proposed new rail corridors along the existing Kalyan–Kasara and Kalyan–Karjat routes to segregate suburban rail services from long-distance trains. The Rs 150 billion proposal, submitted to the Maharashtra government, seeks approval for two additional lines on the Asangaon–Kasara and Badlapur–Karjat sections, as well as a new 60-km suburban corridor between Panvel and Vasai.

These projects have been included under Phase 3B of the Mumbai Urban Transport Project (MUTP), aimed at strengthening mass transit in Panvel, Navi Mumbai, Vasai–Virar and Kalyan regions.

A senior railway official explained that the objective of MUTP 3B is complete segregation of mainline and suburban services. “At present, the Panvel–Vasai stretch is used by both long-distance and MEMU trains. The proposed new corridor will be dedicated exclusively to suburban services,” the official said.

In addition, authorities have planned two elevated rail flyovers from Vasai—one heading towards Virar and the other towards Borivali—to further decongest the network.

Clearances for the projects are expected in the coming months, paving the way for work to begin on what officials describe as a transformative expansion of Mumbai’s suburban rail network.