Central Government : Central approval for Badlapur-Karjat third and fourth corridor

The suffering of railway passengers beyond Kalyan will now come to an end. The central government has approved the third and fourth lines between Badlapur and Karjat beyond Kalyan. The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi has approved two projects. These include the doubling of the Devbhumi Dwarka (Okha) – Kanalus line in Gujarat – 141 km, and the third and fourth lines between Badlapur and Karjat – 32 km. The estimated cost of implementing both projects is Rs 2,781 crore.

The passenger capacity and speed of this railway route will increase. This will help in running additional local trains from Kalyan to Badlapur. This will help reduce the crowding in local trains. Due to these two projects passing through four districts of Maharashtra and Gujarat states, the existing network of Indian Railways will expand by about 224 kilometers. Approval of these multi-tracking projects will provide connectivity to about 585 villages with a population of around 3.2 million.

Which routes will be expanded

* Devbhoomi Dwarka (Okha) – Kanalus doubling – 141 km

* Badlapur – Karjat third and fourth line – 32 km

Due to the doubling of the railway line from Kanalus to Okha (Devbhoomi Dwarka) in Gujarat, passenger capacity to the Dwarkadhish Temple will increase, making it easier to reach this major pilgrimage site and contributing to the overall development of the Saurashtra region, according to railway officials.

The Badlapur – Karjat section is an important part of the Mumbai suburban corridor. Since there is no fast track here, there are difficulties in transporting passengers. The third and fourth line project will improve connectivity in the Mumbai suburban area and meet the future needs of passengers. It will also help provide connectivity to South India.

Also useful for freight transport

This is an essential route for transporting goods such as coal, salt, containers, cement, POL, etc. Due to capacity enhancement works, an additional 18 MTPA (million tonnes) of freight will be transported every year. Being an environmentally friendly and energy-efficient mode of transport, railways will help in achieving climate goals, reducing the country's logistics costs, reducing fuel imports (30 million litres), and lowering carbon emissions (160 million kilograms). This is equivalent to planting 6.4 million trees.