New Panvel-Karjat railway line set to ease commuting in Mumbai

Passengers travelling between Panvel and Karjat will soon experience greater convenience, thanks to the Mumbai Urban Transport Project (MUTP-3). This project involves the construction of a 29.6 km long corridor, set to alleviate the commuting challenges for residents in the vicinity of Mumbai. A significant feature of this railway line is the construction of the Waverley tunnel, which will be the longest tunnel on the Mumbai Suburban Railway line.The new railway line promises to bring substantial benefits to passengers by reducing the distance between Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) and Karjat. Along this route, five stations are currently under construction, namely Panvel, Mahape, Chikle, Chowk, and Karjat. The entire railway line spans 30 km and encompasses three tunnels, two rail flyovers, 44 major and minor bridges, 15 road-under bridges, and seven road-over bridges.Upon the completion of this project, congestion between Thane and Kalyan stations is expected to decrease significantly, potentially leading to a reduction in overcrowding issues.The estimated cost of MUTP-3 is Rs 109.47 billion, with project approval dating back to 2016. It is anticipated that this route will become accessible to passengers by March 2025.Construction of the Waverley tunnel began in February, and significant progress has already been made, with one section of the tunnel already drilled.The three tunnels in progress, namely the Waverly tunnel (2.6 km), Kirawali tunnel (300 m), and Nadhal tunnel (219 m), are vital components of the 3,144-meter-long railway line. Digging the Waverley tunnel, in particular, presents challenges due to its proximity to the existing Panvel-Karjat single line tunnel, requiring adherence to stringent safety measures. These tunnels will feature ballast-less tracks, ample public refuge areas, as well as tunnel control, lighting, and ventilation systems.The construction work includes waterproofing and corrosion protection measures. A total of 56.87 hectares of private land, 4.4 hectares of government land, and 9.13 hectares of forest department land have been allocated for this railway line. Land acquisition has taken place in areas such as Barwai, Wavarle, Belwali, Bhingar, Lodhiwali, Kirwali, and Wanjale.The Panvel-Karjat rail line will add another suburban rail corridor to Mumbai's transportation network, connecting Navi Mumbai with the Raigad district of the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR). Notably, the public is yet to gain full access to the fourth corridor on the Nerul/Belapur-Kharkopar-Uran line, which was completed in November 2018.This new route is part of the railway's initiative to improve access to underserved areas in the MMR. It will facilitate local train travel between Mumbai and Karjat via Panvel and is expected to spur growth in the rapidly expanding cities of Panvel, Karjat, and the projected Navi Mumbai Airport Influence Notified Area.