Western Railway Expands Sixth Line to Enhance Mumbai’s Rail Network

Mumbai’s rail infrastructure, Western Railway (WR) has unveiled plans to extend its sixth line up to Kandivli by June 2024.

This ambitious project, an integral component of the Mumbai Urban Transportation Project (MUTP) II B, is poised to revolutionise local train services across the city. Initially slated for expansion until Borivali by June, the sixth line encountered obstacles primarily related to land acquisition, A senior railway official said, “According to the set timeline, the 4.5km Goregaon-Kandivli stretch is set to open in June. If land acquisition issues are resolved in time, this corridor will be extended to Borivali by Nov 2024.” A 9km-long sixth line segment between Khar and Goregaon was inaugurated in Nov 2023.Providing an insight into the project’s progress, an official said, “One major bridge has been completed, along with eight out of 12 minor bridges. The remaining four bridges are expected to be finished within the next few weeks.” Significant progress has been made, with 70% completion of the signalling and telecommunications work and 40% of overhead electricals.

prompting a recalibration of its trajectory towards Kandivli. With an estimated investment of Rs 918 crore, this expansion initiative aims to segregate mail/express and suburban trains, thereby optimising operational efficiency and enhancing commuter experience. Upon completion of the 30km extension between Khar and Borivali, Western Railway anticipates a substantial surge in suburban train capacity, projecting an impressive 20% increase. This augmentation aligns with WR’s commitment to meeting escalating passenger demands and ensuring seamless connectivity within Mumbai’s bustling metropolitan landscape.

The delay-ridden saga of the sixth line underscores the complexities inherent in large-scale infrastructure endeavors. Originally budgeted at Rs 5,300 crore, the project’s cost trajectory has soared to Rs 8,087 crore, indicative of the myriad challenges encountered during implementation. Furthermore, the broader ambit of MUTP-II encompasses transformative initiatives, including the extension of the Harbour Line till Goregaon, the establishment of Parel Terminus, and the deployment of fifth and sixth lines between Parel and Kurla and Bandra, amplifying the scope of Mumbai’s rail network. As Mumbai continues its trajectory of urbanisation and population growth, Western Railway’s proactive measures to fortify its infrastructure are poised to play a pivotal role in shaping the city’s future mobility landscape.