Borivali-Virar 5th-6th Railway Line Project: Vasai Creek Bridges to be Built Connecting Bhayander & Naigaon Stations

Mumbai, February 13, 2025: The much-anticipated expansion of the Western Railway network between Borivali and Virar is making significant strides as the Mumbai Railway Development Corporation (MRVC) leads the development of the 26-km railway line under the MUTP 3A project. The project, with an estimated budget of ₹2,184 crore, is expected to enhance Mumbai’s suburban railway connectivity and ease passenger congestion.

One of the major milestones in the ongoing project is the construction of crucial infrastructure, particularly the Vasai Creek Bridges 73 and 75, which will connect Bhayander and Naigaon stations. These bridges are an integral part of the expansion plan and are vital for the smooth operation of the additional railway lines. The contract for these bridges has already been finalized, with work expected to be completed within 36 months.

The MRVC is making steady progress in this phase of the railway expansion. While the construction of Bridges 73 and 75 is underway, the tendering process for other essential bridges along the route is still in progress. These efforts are set to significantly enhance the railway system, improving train frequency and overall capacity.

Western Railway has already completed the sixth railway line between Khar and Kandivali, and the extension to Borivali is expected to finish by the end of this year. The next phase of the project will extend the tracks from Borivali to Virar, a key stretch of Mumbai's suburban railway network. Upon completion, this expansion will help ease congestion and offer better connectivity for daily commuters, greatly benefiting the growing population of Mumbai’s suburbs.

Environmental Measures: Mangrove Plantation

In addition to the infrastructure work, the MRVC is ensuring that environmental considerations are taken into account. As part of the compensatory measure for the trees that were cleared for the railway expansion, the MRVC has undertaken a mangrove plantation initiative in collaboration with the forest department’s mangrove cell. The plantation work began in December 2024, with the project expected to be completed within three months. This initiative aims to mitigate the environmental impact of the project and maintain ecological balance in the region.

Project Status

Currently, about 10% of the total project work has been completed, and officials are optimistic about meeting the deadlines for the next stages. The Borivali-Virar railway line expansion is a vital step towards improving the overall functionality of Mumbai’s suburban railway system, promising a faster, more efficient, and less congested commute for millions of passengers.

With the steady progress on both the infrastructural and environmental fronts, the project is on track to transform the Mumbai suburban railway network, offering a major boost to the city’s public transport system.