Karjat-Panvel Fourth Rail Line Cleared to Boost Navi Mumbai Airport Access, Pune Connectivity

Navi Mumbai: 13th May 2025: In a major push to improve regional rail infrastructure, the Central Railway has finalised plans for a fourth railway line between Karjat and Panvel, aimed at doubling the existing corridor and enhancing connectivity to the upcoming Navi Mumbai International Airport. The 29-km-long line, expected to cost ₹491 crore, will significantly cut travel time between Pune and Navi Mumbai.

Confirming the development, a Central Railway spokesperson stated, “A final Detailed Project Report (DPR) for the Panvel–Karjat (Chowk) fourth line was finalised and submitted to the Railway Board on April 7. The 29-km stretch is estimated to cost around Rs 491 crore and will strengthen suburban connectivity while easing congestion along this key corridor.”

At present, the Karjat-Panvel section has only one operational track that largely accommodates freight traffic and limited long-distance passenger trains. Two additional lines—currently under construction by the Mumbai Rail Vikas Corporation (MRVC)—are scheduled to be completed by December 2025 and are intended exclusively for suburban services.

The new fourth line, which will run parallel to the existing one, is intended to support both freight and passenger operations, thereby doubling the line’s capacity. Officials say this will play a vital role in the development of Panvel, Karjat, and the Navi Mumbai Airport Influence Notified Area (NAINA).

“This fourth line will be over and above the two MRVC lines and will play a pivotal role in improving access between Pune and the Navi Mumbai Airport, a region poised to become a key aviation and business hub,” the official added.

The project is being developed under the Mumbai Urban Transport Project-3 (MUTP-3) and is expected to be a game changer for regional transit. According to the report, Central Railway has already readied three local trains for deployment on the corridor, signalling its commitment to expedite suburban operations upon completion.