Daijiworld Media Network – Mumbai

Mumbai, Jun 12: The Central Railway (CR) has finally initiated long-pending slum demolition work for the Kalwa–Airoli rail corridor project, which had been stalled for nearly a decade. In the first phase of the drive, around 150 slum structures have been cleared, officials said.

The proposed 8-km corridor is expected to provide a direct rail link between Navi Mumbai and Kalyan, easing congestion at Thane station. The new suburban rail line will also enable trans-harbour trains to bypass Thane, significantly reducing travel time and operational pressure on the busy junction.

The project has been divided into phases, with Phase I comprising the construction of Dighe Gaon station, which has already been completed. Phase II involves the main corridor work, including elevated rail sections.

Of the total stretch, about 3.3 km will be an elevated rail link. This section will allow direct train connectivity from Vashi and Belapur towards the Kalyan corridor. Plans also include an elevated Kalwa station equipped with modern facilities such as platforms, booking offices, foot overbridges and staircases, along with ballastless track systems.

According to Mumbai Railway Vikas Corporation (MRVC) officials, due process is being followed and verification of 786 project-affected households is currently underway. They added that key civil works, including Digha Gaon station and certain bridge components, have already been completed.

The Kalwa–Diva stretch has also been identified as one of the most accident-prone sections of Central Railway. Data indicates that in 2025 alone, 525 deaths and 1,188 injuries were reported due to railway-related accidents across areas including Thane, Kalwa, Mumbra, Diva and Airoli.

Meanwhile, commuters and activists have welcomed the progress but stressed the urgency of timely completion. Stakeholders have urged authorities to expedite the project, citing safety concerns and long-standing commuter hardship due to repeated delays in execution.