The new rail corridor between Panvel Karjat Suburban Rail Corridor is under construction at a fast pace. This is a very important project, especially for the people living in and around Karjat. Karjat is also a popular tourist spot, so this corridor will make traveling much easier from that perspective as well.
We had covered the progress of this project about 8 months ago. Now, we revisited it to see how much work has been completed since then.
Story from Panvel to Karjat
Earlier, there was only a single railway line between Panvel and Karjat. Because of that, only long-distance express trains and freight trains used to run on this route. There were no local train services. People living in the nearby areas had to take longer routes to reach Mumbai.
To solve this issue, a new rail corridor is being built. Two new railway lines are being laid, and five stations in between are being upgraded. Once the corridor is completed, local trains will start running on this route. This will make travel much easier for people trying to reach Mumbai via Panvel.
Key Features of the Corridor
This corridor is 21.8 kilometers long and includes:
- 2 flyovers
- 34 minor bridges
- 8 major bridges
- 3 railway tunnels
Most of the structures have already been completed.
What’s Happening at Panvel Station
Panvel station is currently being remodeled. A new building is under construction, and 5 new platforms are being built for express trains. The old structure is being dismantled to make way for the new one.
Construction work is also ongoing for the Panvel-Karjat railway line beside the Dedicated Freight Corridor (DFC).
Progress Towards Karjat
The bridge over the Kalundra River is complete, but tracks are yet to be laid. The corridor crosses over the DFC via an overbridge. Two spans (bridge sections) have been erected, and work is ongoing on the others.
Electrical pole installation has also started in this section.
Work at Chikhale Station & Expressway Area
At Chikhale station, redevelopment work is visible. Foundation work for new platforms has begun. The bridge over the Mumbai-Pune Expressway is fully erected. Work on electrical poles alongside the rail lines has also started.
Right now, only freight trains are operating, but local trains will begin soon.
Other Stations & Tunnel Work
At Mohape station, platform construction has started. At one road overbridge (ROB), the deck slabs are ready, and ramps on both sides are being built.
Tunnel Progress:
- First tunnel: 250 meters long. Track installation is complete.
- Second tunnel: 2.6 kilometers long. Excavation from both ends is done; internal finishing work is ongoing.
- Third tunnel: 350 meters long. Interior work is still underway.
New Overpasses & Access Roads
A new public overpass near Morbe Dam Road is under construction. Old overpasses along the corridor are being replaced with new ones. Work is ongoing on at least two more overpasses in this section.
Karjat Terminal Preparation
The new Karjat terminal is being built about 750 meters from the existing Karjat station. Earlier, only the foundation work had started, but now multiple platforms and several buildings are under construction. A yard for parking local trains is also being developed here.
Overall Progress So Far
Compared to our last visit, the project has seen major progress. Railway track installation has started at many locations, which is a big milestone toward the launch of local train services.
When Will It Be Completed?
According to official updates, this corridor is expected to be fully completed by December 2025. However, with the monsoon season approaching, work may slow down for a couple of months. So realistically, this deadline may extend slightly.
Conclusion
The Panvel-Karjat rail corridor is an essential and beneficial project. It will help thousands of daily commuters and tourists alike. If construction continues at this speed, the route will be operational very soon.
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