A long-awaited local train project between Panvel and Karjat is set to become a reality soon as 85% of the work on the Panvel–Karjat railway corridor has been completed, and the railway administration aims to finish the project by the end of 2026. The project, worth Rs 2,782 crore, is considered a strong example of modern engineering.
According to the railway administration, nearly 85% of the work is complete, and the target is to finish the entire Panvel–Karjat local train project within this year. The corridor is 29.6 kilometres long, and around 70% of the double-line track has already been laid.
Two railway flyovers between Panvel and Karjat have been completed, along with three tunnels measuring a total of 3.2 kilometres. An estimated Rs 300 crore has been spent on tunnel construction. Work on five road overbridges and 15 road underbridges along the 29-kilometre stretch has also been completed. Work at the key stations: Panvel, Chikhle, Poyenje, Chowk and Karjat under progress.
Once the corridor becomes operational, the travel time from Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) to Karjat will decrease significantly compared to the existing route via Kalyan. After arriving at Panvel, passengers will be able to travel directly to Karjat via an escalator link. The new route will greatly benefit Karjat residents who commute to Navi Mumbai and Panvel for work. At present, the road journey from Panvel to Karjat takes around one to one and a half hours, while the new rail line is expected to bring it down to roughly 40 minutes.
Chief Engineer Yogesh Sharma said the project showcases advanced engineering capabilities. Overcoming geographical and technical challenges, especially during the excavation of the Kirawali tunnel, required detailed geological studies, controlled blasting and the construction of strong foundations to ensure safe passage through unstable rock. Building railway flyovers at Panvel and Karjat and modifying the yard while keeping existing services operational posed additional challenges. Sharma noted that meticulous planning, modern signalling systems and close coordination with Central Railway played a key role in executing the work successfully.