Mumbai Train: The Central Railway is considering new track expansion plans to tackle heavy congestion on the 10.8-kilometre Thane–Kalyan section, one of the busiest suburban rail corridors in Mumbai. Nearly 1,000 trains pass through this stretch every day, making it a major operational challenge for the railway network. Stations such as Thane, Kalyan and Diva also function as key interchange points for lakhs of daily commuters.

Studies Launched For Additional Rail Lines

According to a Hindustan Times report, Central Railway has initiated studies for laying the 7th and 8th rail lines on the Kalyan-Thane-Parel corridor. The plan also includes the possibility of underground rail alignments in certain sections, particularly around Dombivli, to overcome space constraints.

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To move the proposal forward, a third-party agency has been appointed to carry out a final location survey (FLS). This survey will help determine the exact alignment of the new tracks and assess technical and engineering requirements.

“It has been a few weeks since the FLS studies began. We are currently in the first phase, focusing on the highly congested Kalyan–Thane corridor,” a Central Railway official said.

High Passenger Load Adds Pressure

The need for expansion has become more urgent as Mumbai’s metropolitan region continues to grow. Estimates suggest that around 1.2 to 1.5 million passengers travel daily on the Thane–Kalyan route.

Diva has emerged as a critical pressure point, with nearly 70 to 75 per cent of the 894 daily suburban services stopping at the station. Frequent halts have led to repeated closures of the Diva level crossing, causing disruptions to both rail and road traffic.

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Underground Sections Under Consideration

Another railway official said that underground options are being studied for some stretches before and after Dombivli. “These details will become clear once the FLS study is completed, which is expected by mid-2026,” the official added.

Part Of Larger Rail Expansion Plan

The proposed additional lines are part of a broader strategy to separate suburban and long-distance train operations. This plan aligns with the proposed expansion of Lokmanya Tilak Terminus and the development of a new railway terminus at Parel.