- By Shubham Bajpai
- Tue, 06 May 2025 10:57 AM (IST)
- Source:JND
The Central Railway is planning to make the first underground rail in Mumbai a reality. The plan is to build the fifth and sixth lines between Parel/Currey Road and Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) in South Mumbai. The Central Railway has taken inspiration from the Mumbai Metro Line 3, the first-ever underground transport corridor in Mumbai, the HT reported.
The underground rail line in question is on Phase 2 of the Kurla-CSMT project. The phase 1 from Kurla to Parel is 10.1 km, while Phase 2 is 7.4 km from Parel to CSMT.
The railway said there are challenges in land acquisition and the rehabilitation of people affected, apart from high costs.
This challenge can be overcome by underground tunnelling under the city. The railway argued that if it is possible with the metro, it is also possible with rail lines.
However, the project is in the initial discussion phase and the Mumbai Rail Vikas Corporation (MRVC) and Central Railway have held several meetings to chalk out a detailed plan.
Reportedly, railway officials have said that the 7.4 km line will be 20-25 metre under the overland railway tracks. “We are still analysing the possibility of going underground between Parel and CSMT stations for the fifth and sixth rail lines, and the necessary studies will be undertaken before finalising it. We are preparing terms of reference for the process, and will appoint a consultant,” HT quoted a senior railway official.
On Mumbai Metro's Line 3, work on Phase 2A is in the final stage and is awaiting approval from the Commissioner of Metro Rail Safety (CMRS) for the operation. It is likely to get approval in the coming days, after which the route between Bandra-Kurla Complex (BKC) and Acharya Atre Chowk in Worli will be open to the public.