Mumbai: Western Railway to Extend Sixth Line to Kandivli by June 2024

Western Railway (WR) has announced plans to extend its sixth line to Kandivli by June 2024, potentially paving the way for additional local train services. The original project timeline aimed to extend the sixth line to Borivali by June, but issues with land acquisition caused delays.

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 November 2024." The extension follows the inauguration of a 9km-long sixth line segment between Khar and Goregaon in November 2023.

The official further noted significant progress in construction work. "One major bridge has been completed, along with eight out of twelve minor bridges. The remaining four bridges are expected to be finished within the next few weeks." Moreover, about 70% of the signalling and telecommunications work is complete, with 40% of the overhead electrical work finalized.

The 30km sixth line, part of the Mumbai Urban Transportation Project (MUTP) II B, aims to separate mail/express trains from suburban services, easing congestion and improving travel efficiency. With an estimated cost of ₹918 crore, the completion of the line between Khar and Borivali is expected to increase suburban train capacity by 20% on Western Railway.

The fifth line between Borivali and Santacruz was commissioned in 2002, with a similar line between Mumbai Central and Mahim inaugurated in 1993. However, the stretch between Mahim and Santacruz remains incomplete due to land scarcity.

The sixth line project, part of MUTP-II, is among Mumbai's most delayed railway projects. Initially budgeted at ₹5,300 crore, costs have surged to ₹8,087 crore. MUTP-II encompasses various initiatives, including the Harbour Line extension to Goregaon, the sixth line from Borivali to Mumbai Central, a new terminus at Parel, and additional fifth and sixth lines between Parel and Kurla and Bandra.

With these planned expansions, Western Railway aims to improve capacity and reduce bottlenecks in the suburban train network, ultimately enhancing transportation options for Mumbai's commuters.

ET