Seven potential new stations have been identified along the Virar–Dahanu section. These include Wadhiv, Sartodi, Makunsar, Chintupada, Panchali, Wanjarwada, and BSES Colony. It is important to note that these proposed stations are not part of the ongoing quadrupling project. However, they may be developed in the future if the need arises, even after the completion of the quadrupling work.
**Current Passenger Traffic**
Currently, there are only nine stations between Virar and Dahanu Road — including Vaitarna, Saphale, Kelve Road, Palghar, Umroli, Boisar, and Vangaon. Passenger traffic along this route is already significant. Virar handles more than 5.8 lakh commuters daily, while Dahanu Road sees over 2.6 lakh. Even smaller stations like Vaitarna and Boisar experience consistently high footfall, reflecting the corridor’s importance for daily commuters.
**Progress of the Quadrupling Project**
The ambitious Rs 3,578 crore Virar–Dahanu Road quadrilateral rail corridor project has reached a significant milestone, with 86% of the earthwork — including cutting and filling — now completed, according to officials from the Mumbai Railway Vikas Corporation (MRVC). This corridor is a key component of the Mumbai Urban Transport Project (MUTP) Phase III and is set to transform suburban rail connectivity in the far northern suburbs. The project aims to reduce congestion and enhance the commuter experience between Virar and Dahanu.
So far, over 23.5 lakh cubic metres of earthwork filling and 2.18 lakh cubic metres of cutting have been successfully executed. The scale of civil engineering efforts underscores the corridor’s strategic importance in expanding Mumbai’s suburban rail network.
**Infrastructure Developments Along the Corridor**
Several bridges and Road Under Bridges (RUBs) were planned under the project, most of which have now been structurally completed. These include key crossings and waterway structures essential for uninterrupted rail traffic.
At Virar and Vaitarna, construction of RPF/GRP and RRI buildings, substations, gang tool rooms, and water tanks has been completed. Currently, deck and station building works are underway.
At Palghar, Saphale, Kelve Road, Boisar, Vangaon, Umroli, and Dahanu Road, the construction of new station buildings, foot over bridges (FOBs), connecting overpasses (COPs), staff quarters, relay huts, and operational control buildings is at an advanced stage. Finishing works are nearing completion at Umroli, Boisar, and Vangaon.
Signalling and telecom-related activities, including cable laying and other outdoor works, are progressing steadily across all locations.
**Expected Benefits**
Once operational, the upgraded corridor is expected to significantly increase the frequency and capacity of suburban services on the Western Railway line. This will ease the burden on existing infrastructure and improve daily commute times for thousands of passengers, contributing to a smoother and more efficient travel experience.
**Project Completion Timeline**
The quadrupling of the Virar–Dahanu Road section is a key element of a long-term strategy to strengthen suburban rail connectivity across Mumbai’s extended metropolitan region. Despite challenges related to land acquisition and forest clearances, the project is moving forward steadily.
The Mumbai Railway Vikas Corporation (MRVC) remains fully committed to completing the project by the end of the Financial Year 2026–27, barring unforeseen circumstances such as legal, environmental, or force majeure issues beyond control, according to an official.
https://www.freepressjournal.in/mumbai/virardahanu-rail-quadrupling-nears-completion-seven-potential-new-stations-proposed