Karjat-Panvel fourth rail line to boost connectivity to Navi Mumbai airport

The ongoing work on the suburban rail line between Karjat and Panvel

With Central Railway recently finalising yet another rail line - a fourth line - between Karjat and Panvel to double the existing corridor in addition to the suburban line, the Mumbai Metropolitan Region is set to get a much-needed connectivity boost, bringing the Navi Mumbai airport significantly closer for travellers to and from Pune.

A Central Railway spokesperson confirmed the development, stating, "A final Detailed Project Report (DPR) for the Panvel-Karjat (Chowk) fourth line, covering a 29-km stretch, was finalised and submitted to the Railway Board on April 7. The cost of the project is estimated at around R491 crore. The project aims to enhance suburban connectivity and reduce congestion on this crucial corridor."

"The Mumbai Rail Vikas Corporation is already constructing two lines between Panvel and Karjat, targeted for completion in December 2025, exclusively for suburban use. This new line will be in addition to that. With this addition, connectivity between the upcoming Navi Mumbai International Airport and Pune - a key software and education hub - will be greatly improved," the official added.

While the existing older line caters to goods and a few long-distance passenger trains, it is this line that will now be doubled to boost overall capacity. Once complete, the project will act as a catalyst for the rapidly developing areas of Panvel, Karjat, and NAINA (Navi Mumbai Airport Influence Notified Area).

The suburban corridor connecting the two older townships of Panvel and Karjat via a fresh alignment features some of the suburban system's longest tunnels and bridges. mid-day had earlier reported how the Panvel-Karjat railway project, taking shape under the Mumbai Urban Transport Project 3 (MUTP-3), is poised to be a game-changer. Central Railway had already kept three local trains ready for operations on the new corridor.