Panvel is set to emerge as a major terminal for long-distance trains by December 2026, with the remodelling of its yards and supporting infrastructure moving ahead on an accelerated schedule.
The initiative, recently reviewed on site by Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, aims to decongest existing city terminals and provide improved rail access to the growing commuter population in the Navi Mumbai region. The development of Panvel into a long-distance rail terminus is being synchronised with the Kalamboli yard revamp to increase operational bandwidth. The combined project is designed to handle increased train traffic and enable new services to originate from Panvel, ultimately creating a decentralised passenger rail model for the Mumbai Metropolitan Region. The effort aligns with broader national goals of building sustainable and accessible urban transit systems.
As part of the upgrade, the Panvel station will feature a state-of-the-art island platform designed to accommodate 26-coach trains, alongside a dedicated home platform and expanded passenger circulation areas. The project also includes the construction of a 1500-square-metre station building, a new foot overbridge, and connectivity enhancements to seamlessly integrate with the future Dedicated Freight Corridor (DFC), which will shift cargo operations away from passenger lines. A key element of the supporting infrastructure is the Kalamboli coaching and maintenance complex. This facility will host four pit lines, two stabling lines for full-length trains, a 130-metre-long maintenance shed, and dedicated entry and exit points. A third track linking the Panvel terminus with the Kalamboli hub is under construction to streamline train movements without interfering with daily operations.
However, for all the engineering ambition, local passengers continue to raise concerns over basic amenities and last-mile access at Panvel station. “Auto-rickshaws dominate the approach road, causing frequent traffic jams and fare exploitation,” noted Manish N Koparkar from Navi Mumbai Pravasi Sangh. “There’s an urgent need to redesign station access and improve facilities like clean toilets, clear announcements, and support for elderly and differently abled passengers.” With Panvel expected to handle a growing number of trains and passengers in the near future, mobility experts are calling for a holistic integration of the terminus with local bus routes, pedestrian access points, and last-mile solutions. The current disorganised entry system and inadequate urban design threaten to undermine the long-term sustainability of what could be a transformative infrastructure project.
As the city’s population expands and its existing rail networks strain under increasing demand, Panvel’s rise as a new railway hub offers both opportunity and a test case. The successful delivery of this project could pave the way for a more equitable and climate-resilient transport model—moving beyond centralised systems and towards smarter, people-centric urban mobility.
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