Mumbai: Work on the much-awaited fifth and sixth railway lines between Borivali and Virar is moving forward steadily, with major progress in the construction of critical infrastructure. A major milestone has been reached with the appointment of a contractor for the construction of Bridges 73 and 75 over Vasai Creek.
These bridges, situated between Bhayander and Naigaon stations, are an essential component of the Western Railway’s expansion project. Officials have stated that the construction is expected to be completed within 36 months.
The Mumbai Railway Development Corporation (MRVC) is leading the 26-km railway line expansion between Borivali and Virar under the MUTP 3A project, which has an estimated budget of Rs 2,184 crore. While the contracts for Bridges 73 and 75 have been finalised, the tendering process for other key bridges along the route is still underway, as reported by Lokmat Times.
Current Progress & Upcoming Work
Western Railway has already completed the sixth railway line between Khar and Kandivali, with work on extending it to Borivali expected to finish by the end of the year. The next phase involves extending the tracks from Borivali to Virar, a crucial corridor for Mumbai’s suburban railway network.
This expansion aims to improve train frequency, ease congestion, and provide better connectivity for daily commuters. Once completed, these additional tracks will significantly boost the capacity of the Western Railway line, benefiting millions of passengers.
Mangrove Plantation As An Environmental Measure
In addition to the railway expansion, the MRVC is also undertaking mangrove plantation as a compensatory measure for the trees that had to be cut down for the project. The replanting effort is being carried out in coordination with the mangrove cell of the forest department.
The plantation work began in December 2024 and is expected to be completed within three months. This step is crucial for maintaining ecological balance in the region and mitigating the environmental impact of the infrastructure project.
Project Completion Status
According to the report, so far, officials have reported that approximately 10% of the total project work has been completed. With ongoing construction efforts and planned environmental measures, the Borivali-Virar railway expansion is steadily moving towards completion, promising a smoother and more efficient railway network for Mumbai’s growing population.
