Mumbai Harbour Line expansion: Western Railway seeks suggestions, objections to land acquisition proposal

Currently, Harbour Line operates between Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) and Borivali, but dedicated tracks are available only up to Goregaon. Beyond Goregaon, Harbour Line trains must switch to slow tracks of the Western Line.

The project will require the acquisition of around 3,000 sq m of private land in various areas, including in Malad East, South and North, Poisar, and Pahadi Goregaon. Approximately 300 sq m of land under the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) will be required for the project.

According to WR, the notification has been issued under Clause 20 A of the Railway Act 1989 (amended in 2008) and the acquisition will be done through the district collector, Mumbai Suburban. The notification marks the beginning of the process. The collector will also meet the affected parties to address grievances before the land award is issued through Clause 20 E.

At present, the six tracks between Goregaon and CSMT include four for the Mainline service and two for Harbour Line. With the expansion, two additional dedicated tracks will be introduced, eliminating the need for trains to shift to slower tracks.

Currently, the Harbour Line between CSMT and Goregaon spans 26.32 km and operates 112 services. Of these, 106 services are run by the Central Railway and six by the Western Railway. Additionally, Central Railway operates 88 services between CSMT and Bandra.

Vineet Abhishek, Chief Public Relations Officer for WR, said currently there are limited Harbour Line services beyond Goregaon. “This expansion will significantly improve connectivity and provide uninterrupted service to Borivali for Harbour Line users,” he added.