The Mumbai Railway Vikas Corporation (MRVC) has proposed a ₹492 crore quadruple railway line between Karjat and Panvel.
The project is expected to significantly ease the commute for thousands of daily passengers across Navi Mumbai and Raigad, which are experiencing accelerated urbanisation. Currently, the 39-km Karjat–Panvel stretch operates on a single up and down line, causing frequent delays and severe overcrowding during peak hours. MRVC’s proposal includes laying two additional tracks alongside the existing lines, transforming the corridor into a four-line network. This development will facilitate the simultaneous movement of suburban local trains and long-distance express services, thereby improving punctuality and reducing delays. Officials involved in the project said the expanded line will play a vital role in the city’s broader plan to strengthen its public transport backbone. “With the Navi Mumbai International Airport on the horizon, fast and reliable rail connectivity between Panvel and Karjat is not only timely but essential,” one senior official noted. The new infrastructure will improve accessibility to key zones such as Uran, Navi Mumbai, and surrounding industrial belts.
While the project offers promising solutions to current commuter challenges, it also comes with environmental considerations. The proposed alignment passes through several green patches that will require detailed environmental assessments to mitigate ecological impact. Officials have assured that the plan will prioritise sustainable execution practices. Apart from passenger benefits, the project will boost freight operations by decongesting the line currently shared by both goods and passenger trains. With two dedicated tracks each for suburban and freight services, the route will help streamline cargo movement in and out of Mumbai’s hinterlands. Sources said the blueprint for the quadruple line has already been submitted for government approval. Advanced-stage discussions are underway with both central and state authorities. Budget allocation, statutory clearances, and the tendering process are being expedited to keep the project on a fast track. The Karjat–Panvel quadruple line forms part of a wider urban vision to modernise Mumbai’s suburban railway and reduce dependence on road networks. As residential and commercial developments continue to expand in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region, particularly around Karjat and Panvel, enhancing public transport infrastructure has become a pressing need.
Once operational, the new line is expected to cut travel times, reduce crowding, and offer safer, more comfortable journeys for lakhs of commuters—making it a crucial link in the city’s evolving transport landscape.
