Sources say they will ensure optimal access to fast-growing areas; commuter rights activists unimpressed for now; the Mumbai Railway Vikas Corporation (MRVC) has fast-tracked the ambitious project, the estimated cost of which is Rs 3578 crore, is slated to be completed by June 2027
Infrastructure that is being built as part of the endeavour to quadruple the existing two lines on Western Railway’s 64-km Virar-Dahanu Road corridor. Pics/By Special Arrangement
Seven new suburban railway stations are being planned in conjunction with the quadrupling of lines on the 64-km Virar-Dahanu Road section of Western Railway (WR), marking the first time so many stations will be added to the city’s railway network under a single project.
The Mumbai Railway Vikas Corporation (MRVC) has fast-tracked the ambitious project, the estimated cost of which is Rs 3578 crore, is slated to be completed by June 2027. This is the longest infrastructure project being undertaken on the Mumbai suburban rail network.
At present, there are just nine stations between Virar and Dahanu Road, namely Vaitarna, Saphale, Kelve Road, Palghar, Umroli, Boisar, and Vangaon. Passenger volumes are already high, with Virar handling over 5.8 lakh commuters daily and Dahanu over 2.6 lakh, while even smaller stations such as Vaitarna and Boisar report heavy footfall.
Currently, track-laying work is in full swing, with 41 per cent of the project already completed. Upon commissioning, the upgraded line is expected to significantly enhance the capacity of WR’s suburban services, paving the way for more trains, reduced congestion, and improved connectivity for the entire region.
While the works are on, engineering provisions are being made for seven stations along the way at strategic locations to meet the needs of the region’s rapidly growing population. The move comes in response to increasing development in Palghar district and the mounting demand for additional suburban halts.
The seven new stations would be Wadhiv, Sartodi, Makunsar, Chintupada, Panchali, Wanjarwada, and BSES Colony.
Officials say the new stations will be developed in phases after the completion of quadrupling works as and when required.
“With industrial hubs like Palghar and Boisar growing rapidly and new residential clusters coming up, these halts will reduce passenger load and bring relief to workers and students,” an MRVC spokesperson said.
Rs 3578CR
Estimated cost of quadrupling lines between Virar and Dahanu
ActivistSpeak
‘We have been hearing about seven new stations between Virar and Dahanu for years, but nothing concrete has happened on the ground. Even the Virar-Dahanu Road quad-tracking isn’t completed yet. Is this really a genuine plan to ease congestion, or just another publicity stunt?’
Adv Prathamesh Prabhutendolkar, Member, Dahanu Vaitarna Pravasi Sevabhavi Sanstha
‘It will help to decongest crowded stations like Palghar and Boisar, but we have been hearing about this for the past decade. Will it really happen? As of now, not much development is happening at the site of the new stations’
Himanshu Vartak, Palghar-based commuter activist
Proposed stations
. Wadhiv
. Sartodi
. Makunsar
. Chintupada
. Panchali
. Wanjarwada
. BSES Colony
Reasons behind new plan
. Rising population in Palghar district
. Mounting demand for additional suburban halts
Benefits of the infrastructure
. Improved accessibility for local commuters
. Supports the region’s rapid urbanisation
. Reduction in travel time for suburban passengers
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