Daijiworld Media Network- Mumbai
Mumbai, May 6: In what could mark a historic leap for Mumbai’s suburban rail infrastructure, the city may soon boast its first-ever underground railway corridor, as the Central Railway (CR) explores plans to tunnel beneath the bustling metropolis for its proposed fifth and sixth rail lines between Parel and Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT).
Taking inspiration from Mumbai Metro Line 3, the city's first underground metro line, railway officials are now mulling a similar subterranean solution to bypass the perennial hurdles of land acquisition and relocation of project-affected persons (PAPs).
The ambitious plan covers Phase 2 of the fifth- and sixth-line expansion project, stretching 7.4 km from Parel/Currey Road to CSMT. Phase 1 of the corridor, from Kurla to Parel, spans 10.1 km and is currently under development.
According to senior officials, tunnelling 20–25 metres below the existing rail tracks would help skirt buildings, busy roads, and intricate underground utilities — factors that have long delayed and complicated urban infrastructure projects in the city.
“We are still analysing the possibility of going underground between Parel and CSMT. A detailed feasibility study will determine the project’s viability,” a senior Central Railway official told Hindustan Times. “We are drafting terms of reference and will soon appoint a consultant to guide us.”
The Mumbai Rail Vikas Corporation (MRVC) and Central Railway have held preliminary discussions but are yet to finalise the execution strategy. The feasibility study will also assess potential entry and exit points for tunnel boring machines — particularly at the congested CSMT and Parel ends.
Two possibilities are being considered at CSMT — one within the station premises, potentially near the suburban or long-distance platforms, and the other near P D’Mello Road. However, both options face complications due to overlapping alignments with Metro 3 and the proposed Metro 11 line, necessitating careful integration planning.
If approved, the underground option would push the total project cost (Phase 1 and 2) to approximately Rs 3,000 crore, nearly three times the original sanctioned amount. Back in 2008, the cost was pegged at Rs 890.89 crore and has already risen to Rs 1,337 crore for the overland alignment.
While still in its early stages, the proposed underground corridor represents a futuristic shift in Mumbai’s approach to rail infrastructure, promising smoother execution, minimal displacement, and a modern transit experience for millions of commuters in South Mumbai.