Vasai Creek Bridges Mark Major Step in Borivali-Virar Railway Line
Mumbai’s Borivali-Virar railway expansion project has entered a significant phase with the completion of key milestones, bringing the city closer to improved suburban railway connectivity. The latest development involves the commencement of work on two crucial bridges—Bridges 73 and 75—over Vasai Creek, strategically situated between Bhayander and Naigaon stations. These bridges form a critical link in the Western Railway’s much-anticipated 5th and 6th railway lines, which are expected to transform travel for millions of commuters.
Under the Mumbai Railway Development Corporation (MRVC), the expansion of the 26-km stretch between Borivali and Virar is a key project under the Mumbai Urban Transport Project (MUTP) 3A, with a budget allocation of ₹2,184 crore. This phase is being closely watched, as it promises to alleviate long-standing congestion on one of the city’s most crowded railway corridors. The contractor for the construction of the Vasai Creek bridges has been appointed, and the completion timeline for the project is set for 36 months, with progress being made steadily. The new bridges are pivotal in enabling the smooth expansion of tracks and easing traffic bottlenecks that plague the existing system. With Bridge 73 and Bridge 75 scheduled for construction in the coming months, Western Railway officials are optimistic about their timely delivery. These two bridges will significantly enhance the flow of trains between Bhayander and Naigaon, vital segments of the Mumbai suburban network.
While the construction of Bridge 73 and Bridge 75 is set to progress as per schedule, the expansion project has not been without its challenges. The ongoing extension of the sixth railway line between Khar and Kandivali has been successful, with its completion extending up to Borivali by the year’s end. The next critical phase involves connecting Borivali to Virar, which will directly impact the efficiency of the city’s railway services. The overall aim is to reduce congestion, increase the frequency of trains, and offer better connectivity for daily commuters. In addition to the infrastructure work, the MRVC is undertaking mangrove plantation as a compensatory measure for the environmental impact of the project. Mangrove conservation, a critical part of Mumbai’s ecological balance, has been incorporated as part of the project’s environmental sustainability efforts. The replanting initiative, which began in December 2024, will be concluded by March 2025 and is being carried out in collaboration with the mangrove cell of the forest department.
As of now, approximately 10% of the total project work has been completed, with the rest of the expansion moving forward as planned. The successful completion of the Borivali-Virar 5th-6th railway line will not only provide a much-needed solution to the region’s growing congestion issues but also help accommodate Mumbai’s ever-expanding commuter base. This crucial expansion is expected to enhance the overall functionality of the city’s railway infrastructure, boosting its capacity and streamlining daily operations for millions of passengers.
