Mega block for Panvel-Karjat project runs two hours late as MRVC executes complex point shift in crowded yard
MRVC crews carry out track slewing and OHE adjustments at Panvel as part of the complex yard remodelling work for the new suburban line. Pics/By Special Arrangement
In a major boost to the upcoming Panvel-Karjat suburban corridor, the Mumbai Railway Vikas Corporation on Sunday executed a technically complex yard modification at Panvel. The crucial work, however, came at a cost to passengers, as the mega block extended more than two hours beyond schedule. Planned to end at 11.45 am, the block continued until 1.54 pm due to the intricacy of the point-shifting operation, leaving commuters stranded and triggering protests.
Central Railway said it coordinated with Navi Mumbai Municipal Transport to run additional buses during the extended block. The layout modification forms a key part of the Rs 2782 crore MUTP-III project. Officials said the task involved precise realignments inside the highly congested Panvel yard to prepare space for the new suburban tracks that will eventually link Panvel to Karjat.
“This was one of the most technically demanding components of the project. Executing it inside a live yard without disrupting major train movements required detailed planning,” an official said.
The Panvel-Karjat project has crossed 80 per cent physical progress, with land acquisition completed and major civil works nearing completion. But integrating the new alignment with Panvel’s existing yard — where harbour, trans-harbour and long-distance routes converge — has been one of the biggest engineering challenges.
“Today’s modification clears the way for completing yard remodelling, enabling future suburban EMU operations and letting track and OHE teams continue linking the new alignment toward Mohape and Chowk,” an official added.
Tunnels, bridges, station structures and electronic interlocking at Mohape and Chowk are already in advanced stages. MRVC is constructing two dedicated suburban lines between Panvel and Karjat, targeted for completion in 2026. These will significantly improve connectivity to the upcoming Navi Mumbai International Airport and onward to the Pune IT corridor.
The existing single line, currently used for goods and limited long-distance trains, will also be doubled to enhance capacity. Once operational, the corridor is expected to accelerate development across Panvel, Karjat and the NAINA (Navi Mumbai Airport Influence Notified Area) region and will include the suburban system’s longest tunnels and bridges.
What was Sunday’s key work?
During the Belapur-Panvel block, MRVC dismantled point 515-A, slewed and linked the main line track with new pre-stressed concrete sleepers, inserted switches and crossings, and completed ballasting and tamping. OHE teams carried out final adjustments, insulator and overlap corrections, and circuit testing. The work involved shifting point 515-A by 90 metres on the CSMT end of Panvel platform 2 to extend the suburban platforms toward CSMT and accommodate the new Panvel-Karjat corridor platforms.
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