Mumbai’s suburban rail network is poised for a transformative leap as the Virar–Dahanu Road quadrilateral rail corridor achieves a critical milestone, with 86% of the earthwork now complete, according to officials from the Mumbai Railway Vikas Corporation (MRVC). Valued at ₹3,578 crore, this project, a vital component of the Mumbai Urban Transport Project (MUTP) Phase III, is expected to significantly improve commuter experience in the northern suburbs, alleviating congestion while expanding operational capacity on the Western Railway line.
The scale of engineering work on the corridor is immense. Over 23.5 lakh cubic metres of earthwork filling and 2.18 lakh cubic metres of cutting have been executed, reflecting the strategic importance of this corridor in strengthening suburban rail connectivity. Bridges and Road Under Bridges (RUBs), essential for maintaining uninterrupted rail and road traffic, have largely been structurally completed, signalling steady progress on civil engineering fronts. At key nodes including Virar and Vaitarna, MRVC reports completion of critical infrastructure such as RPF/GRP and RRI buildings, substations, gang tool rooms, and water tanks. Concurrently, construction on station buildings, foot over bridges (FOBs), connecting overpasses (COPs), staff quarters, relay huts, and operational control buildings is advancing across Palghar, Saphale, Kelve Road, Boisar, Vangaon, Umroli, and Dahanu Road, with finishing works nearing completion at Umroli, Boisar, and Vangaon. Signalling and telecommunications, including cable laying and associated outdoor works, are also progressing on schedule, ensuring that technical readiness matches civil works advancement.
Officials highlight that, once operational, the quadrupled corridor will not only increase train frequency and passenger capacity but also reduce travel time and congestion across the extended northern suburbs. “The upgraded Virar–Dahanu Road section represents a long-term commitment to enhance suburban rail infrastructure, catering to the growing commuter demand in Mumbai’s extended metropolitan region,” an MRVC official noted. Despite typical challenges related to land acquisition and forest clearances, the project remains firmly on track for completion by the end of the 2026–27 financial year, barring unforeseen legal or environmental obstacles. The corridor’s progress underscores both the scale of Mumbai’s ongoing transport modernisation efforts and the commitment to sustainable, equitable, and efficient rail solutions for the city’s growing population.
This development marks a significant milestone in Mumbai’s vision for modern, high-capacity suburban rail services, promising a smoother, faster, and safer journey for thousands of daily commuters along one of the city’s most vital rail arteries.
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