25 January,2024 07:15 AM IST | Mumbai | Rajendra B. Aklekar
The 45.7-metre span girder was launched across MIDC road on Tuesday night
In a significant development, the railways have started building a new suburban railway corridor between Airoli and Kalwa, which will allow trans-harbour trains to bypass Thane, reducing a major load from the station. On Tuesday night, a bridge was put up and other miscellaneous works began.
"On Tuesday night, a 45.7-metre span open web steel girder (weighing 145 metric tonnes) was launched across MIDC road near Digha Gaon station for the Airoli-Kalwa project of MUTP-III," said Sunil Udasi, chief spokesperson of Mumbai Railway Vikas Corporation.
The work has been divided into two phases. Phase-I included work on Digha Gaon station, which has been completed, while Phase 2 includes work on the corridor. Other completed works, apart from the station, include bridge no. 36/4 and 36/5 and last night's work of erection of the 45.7-metre span girder.
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The tentative original cost of the railway line is estimated at Rs 476 crore. The new line will run on an elevated section after Digha station and will pass through parts of Kalwa.
The elevated link will enable direct trains from Vashi-Belapur towards Kalyan. The rail flyover has been planned with a ballastless track and the construction of an elevated Kalwa station including platforms, booking office, connected foot under bridges, staircases and related works.
This direct line connecting Airoli and Kalwa would not only decongest Thane junction but also decrease travel time for passengers commuting from Navi Mumbai to Kalwa and beyond. As of today, no direct rail connection exists between Kalwa and Airoli. Passengers have to take a connecting train at Thane station.
Relief and rehab issue
For the relief and rehabilitation of Project Affected Households, 868 tenements had been earmarked by the MMRDA at Bhayandarpada, Ghodbunder Road. A joint verification of 786 Project Affected Households at Bhola Nagar and Shivaji Nagar is held up due to protests by dwellers/local representatives.
Rs 476cr
Tentative cost of the Airoli-Kalwa line
