Maharashtra: Kalyan-Kasara third line is 50 per cent done

Long-distance and goods trains will run in both directions on the new line between Kalyan and Kasara

The much-awaited 67-km bi-directional line between Kalyan and Kasara, which promises more local trains till Kasara, has achieved overall physical progress of 50 per cent in parts.

"Being built at a cost of Rs 792.89 crore with an expenditure of Rs 641.33 crore so far, the overall physical progress of the line has been 50 per cent. Of the 49.23 hectares of land needed, about 35.96 hectares have been acquired (73.04 per cent) and about 38 per cent of earthwork is complete. Five out of the eight major bridges are in progress. Two road overbridges are in progress and other works are on parallelly," a senior official said.

Construction work takes place along the proposed railway line

"Completion of the third line will reduce congestion of the busy Kalyan-Kasara suburban and mail express route and will improve mobility of the trains," he added.
A new suburban station, Chikhloli, is also opening up between Ambernath and Badlapur and the work of the station has been merged with the line. Bidding for the new suburban station will be opened on November 23 and once the contractor is finalised, work will be completed within 24 months.

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As per the official project note, a total of 147 local, 71 long-distance and about 20 freight trains run on the existing two lines every day. All these trains compete with the suburban trains for slots as the passenger load of Titwala, Asangaon and Kasara is growing phenomenally, which makes it a very congested route. The third line will take away some of the load on these two lines significantly.

Once completed, the line will be the longest bi-directional rail line in the Mumbai division and will allow long-distance and goods trains to run in both directions. Also, the new line will allow for the operation of more suburban trains.

Rs 792.89cr
Cost of project