17 April,2026 08:18 AM IST | Mumbai | Rajendra B. Aklekar
The 13.53-km stretch between Kasara and Khardi is now at the completion stage. PICS/BY SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT
Sitting at the edge of the Thal Ghat near Kasara, a small but significant piece of the rail jigsaw puzzle is finally in readiness, filling the critical gap, easing train operations, and adding some relief to the Kalyan-Kasara belt commuters.
A new 13.53-km third line between Kasara and Khardi is set to be electrified on May 12, following which the train operations will begin after statutory clearances from the Commissioner of Railway Safety (CRS). This line will be useful to segregate the suburban and mail express trains at the crucial Kasara point.
The third line between Kalyan and Kasara spans approximately 67 km, with the partial Asangaon-Kasara section covering roughly 35 km in phase one, of which a 13.53-km stretch is now at the completion stage. The project is being built at a cost of Rs 792.89 crore.
The overall project, which is part of the Mumbai Urban Transport Project (MUTP) expansion initiative, is aimed at decongesting one of the busiest suburban corridors and enhancing both local and long-distance train movements.
As per the official project note, a total of 147 local trains, 71 long-distance trains, and about 20 freight trains run on the existing two lines every day. All these trains compete with the suburban trains for slots, as the passenger load of Titwala, Asangaon, and Kasara is growing phenomenally, which makes it a very congested route. The third line will take away some of the load on these two lines significantly.
Officials said the section has been prioritised due to its high passenger traffic and frequent service disruptions arising from mixed suburban and long-distance train operations on just two tracks. Once operational, the third line will significantly ease congestion, reduce delays, and allow more frequent suburban services during peak hours. "Right now there is no space for any train to enter the suburban system. This new line will add some relief that it will allow trains to enter the system even as they wait," an official said.
Lata Argade, president, Suburban Railway Passengers' Federation
âThe addition of this third line will only benefit when it comes to Kalyan. These shorter patches are of no real use. The government needs to play an active role in all this since land acquisition issues pertain to numerous state bodies. I have written to the chief minister's office to appoint a nodal officer to attend to all the issues pertaining to the state bodies so work can be expedited.'
Rajesh Ghanghav, president, K3 Rail Passenger Association
âThe work was sanctioned in the budget of 2011, and work started in 2016. I had broken the inaugural coconut of this project. The work is at an advanced stage and will be completed in 2026 for sure. It will help us get additional trains for Kasara for sure.'
