Rs 2,184 crore Borivali-Virar rail project 30% complete, target 2029

Mumbai Railroad Vikas Corporation has reached about 30% physical completion on the Rs 2,184 crore Borivali-Virar fifth and sixth lines project, Times of India reports. The 26km expansion under Mumbai Urban Transport Project-IIIA aims to ease congestion on one of the city's most crowded suburban corridors. The project is scheduled for completion in 2029.

Preliminary works include relocation of railroad structures at Dahisar, Mira Road, Bhayander, Naigaon, Nallasopara and Vasai Road. About 11.929 hectares of salt-pan land at Umelman in Vasai has been handed over, and forest and mangrove clearances have been secured. Earthwork of 1.30 lakh cubic metres has been completed on the Naigaon and Panju Island stretches. Work on three major bridges, three minor bridges and a road overbridge is underway.

The additional tracks are intended to separate suburban and long-distance services, increasing capacity and improving reliability for commuters. Construction must proceed alongside a heavily used railway and dense urban settlements. Authorities hope to finish the project in 2029.