CSMT–Kurla Fifth and Sixth Rail Line Project Gains Momentum After 17-Year Delay

Mumbai, 27th June 2026 : The long-delayed fifth and sixth rail line project between Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) and Kurla has entered its final phase, marking a major step towards strengthening Mumbai’s suburban railway network. Approved in 2008-09, the project has remained stalled for nearly 17 years due to land acquisition issues, encroachments, and administrative delays.

With major hurdles now cleared, the Central Railway has floated a ₹27.43 crore tender for the remaining track work between Vidyavihar and Parel, paving the way for construction to move ahead.

The project was originally sanctioned at an estimated cost of ₹115 crore. In 2014, railway authorities had planned to complete the Kurla–Parel section by March 2020 and the Parel–CSMT section by March 2021. However, delays in acquiring land, transferring mill properties, removing encroachments, and securing necessary approvals repeatedly pushed back the timeline.

Major Encroachments Cleared

A significant breakthrough came after authorities removed 27 permanent encroachments in Dadar (East), one of the biggest obstacles to the project. The clearance has made the required land available for laying the remaining railway tracks.

The latest tender covers construction of new railway tracks, installation of sleepers and ballast, point and crossing works, track linking, and final technical testing. Railway officials have set a target of 24 months to complete the remaining work.

Relief Expected for Mumbai’s Commuters

Currently, suburban local trains and long-distance mail and express trains share the same rail corridor between CSMT and Kurla, often leading to congestion and delays.

Once the dedicated fifth and sixth rail lines become operational, suburban and long-distance train operations can be separated. This is expected to increase the number of local train services, improve punctuality, reduce delays, and significantly enhance commuting for millions of daily passengers.

Long Wait Continues

Railway experts say the project is crucial for increasing the carrying capacity of Mumbai’s Central Railway network. However, despite reaching a decisive stage after 17 years, commuters will have to wait approximately two more years before the new rail corridor becomes operational.

Project at a Glance

– Project approved: 2008–09
– Delay: 17 years
– Total length: Approximately 17.6 km
– Original completion target: 2021
– Encroachments removed: 27 permanent structures in Dadar
– Current phase: Remaining track work between Vidyavihar and Parel
– Tender value: ₹27.43 crore
– Completion timeline: 24 months