Closure of Virar level crossing unlocks faster Western Railway operations

Narangi Phatak was notorious for causing major delays to trains due to traffic jams

The closure of a single Level Crossing (LC) Gate closure at Narangi Phatak in Virar has triggered a major efficiency boost for all Western Railway (WR) trains, eliminating longstanding 30 kmph speed restrictions and saving up to 30-35 minutes in overall punctuality since May 9.

The new Narangi ROB enabled closure of the LC Gate. PIC COURTESY/Saurabh Raut

The Narangi LC Gate (LC-41) was notorious for detaining and delaying all trains, including the premium Rajdhani and Vande Bharat Expresses, due to road traffic jams and stalling of heavy vehicles on the rail lines, which blocked train movement. A speed limit (caution orders) of 30 kmph was imposed when track quality began deteriorating due to heavy water tanker traffic and persistent water seepage into the ballast.

New bridge brings relief

Relief arrived with the Virar road overbridge (ROB) opening on May 8, 2026, enabling permanent LC-41 shutdown on May 9. This lifted curbs on both ‘Up' and ‘Down' Main Lines, restoring full speeds and improving punctuality on Mumbai's suburban network. WR officials call it a "massive bump" in operations, with passengers noting faster peak-hour trips.

Several level crossing gates shut

A lorry that got stuck while crossing the tracks. PICS/BY SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT

The 782 metre, four lane "box stringer" flyover was inaugurated by Palghar District Guardian Minister Ganesh Naik. It is part of the Mumbai Urban Transport Project 3 that has seen WR shut down over a hundred LC Gates in recent years.

Time savings

The level crossing closed for traffic

Lifting the 30 kmph speed limit has shaved roughly 35 minutes off the running time of affected WR trains each day, improving punctuality and reducing congestion on the suburban network. The new Narangi ROB also cuts travel time for road users, easing the notorious east-west bottleneck in Virar and dissolving the long vehicular queues that once formed whenever the LC Gate closed.

May 8
Day Narangi ROB was opened

May 9
Day Narangi LC Gate was shut