After years of delays and a month of night-only work blocks, Western Railway commissions the Kandivali-Borivali stretch, unlocking major capacity relief on the city’s busiest suburban corridor
Railway officials, linemen and contract workers at work near Kandivali station. Pic/Satej Shinde
As Mumbai slept, a crucial chapter in the city’s long-running railway expansion story quietly came to completion. After a month of intense round-the-clock work, Western Railway commissioned the sixth railway line between Kandivali and Borivali on Sunday evening, completing the long-awaited fifth and sixth lines between Bandra Terminus and Borivali. The newly commissioned section is 3.210 km long and marks the completion of Phase One of the sixth line project between Bandra Terminus and Borivali.
Western Railway staff and contract workers work close to live tracks during a scheduled jumbo block near Kandivali station for the sixth line project between Kandivali and Borivali. Pic/Satej Shinde
“On January 18, Western Railway achieved a major infrastructure milestone with the successful commissioning of the 3.210 km-long sixth line between Kandivali at kilometre 30.540 and Borivli at kilometre 33.750,” a Western Railway spokesperson said. “With the commissioning of the final leg between Kandivali and Borivali, the first phase of the sixth line project between Mumbai Central and Borivali now stands completed,” spokesperson said.
According to officials, a 30-day execution window was planned for the project, running from December 18, 2025, to January 17, 2026. During this period, the existing fifth line between Kandivali and Goregaon remained suspended to facilitate the work. The commissioning involved extensive permanent way and structural engineering operations.
Work done while city slept
The project posed major logistical and spatial challenges as construction had to be carried out extremely close to the operational fifth line. Limited space restricted the movement of machinery and materials. As a result, all earthwork and track-related activities were executed during night blocks and scheduled shutdowns to minimise disruption to daily train services.
What it means for people
Reduced congestion on existing lines. The sixth line adds much-needed track capacity on one of the world’s busiest suburban rail corridors, helping ease crowding between Bandra Terminus and Borivali.
Dedicated route for long-distance trains
Once fully operational, the new line will allow mail and express trains to run on a separate track, reducing interference with suburban local services.
Reliable and punctual
Segregation of long-distance and suburban traffic will cut delays caused by mixed train movement, improving schedule adherence.
Increased local services
With additional track capacity, Railways can operate more suburban trains in the future. Some estimates suggest an overall service increase of nearly 20 per cent once the infrastructure is fully utilised.
Improved corridor capacity
The sixth line significantly enhances the overall carrying capacity of Western Railway’s Mumbai suburban network, especially on the Borivli to Virar stretch.
Smoother peak-hour operations
Separating train movements is expected to reduce peak-hour congestion, making daily travel less stressful for commuters.
Project was completed in stages
November 2023 Khar to Goregaon (8.8 km)
October 2024 Goregaon to Kandivli (4.54 km)
January 2026 Kandivli to Borivli (3.2 km)
Window of action
During the 30-day execution window, from December 18, 2025 to January 17, 2026, the following work was carried out:
Track infrastructure: Multiple cuts and connections at Kandivali and Borivali involving major slewing of the 5th line, insertion and dismantling of multiple points and crossings, and installation of 13 switch expansion joints
Bridge works: A 36-hour major traffic block was successfully utilised at bridge no. 61 for critical re-girdering works on this section, which comprises four minor and one major bridges
Land management: Private land was acquired at Borivali, removing the final physical constraint to the 6th line’s alignment. The project faced spatial challenges due to its proximity to the 5th line
A Benchmark Achievement: The commissioning of the 6th Line provides a dedicated corridor for long-distance and non-suburban traffic . This tactical separation significantly reduces congestion, improves punctuality, and enhances the daily commuting experience for millions
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