Elevated line proposed for express trains between Mahim and Khar

At present, there are four lines between Churchgate and Mumbai Central. It however, increases to five lines from Mumbai Central to Mahim — four for suburban and one for long distance train. Between Mahim and Khar, it again goes down to four lines, excluding two lines for Harbour Line, and increases to seven lines from Khar to Goregaon — four for suburban, two for harbour and one for long distance.

As Mahim to Khar/Santacruz has only four lines, the long distance express trains coming on the fifth line from Mumbai Central gets merged with Mahim’s suburban local train line and that causes slowdown in speed and delays. The official said that the construction of a fifth line between Mahim and Khar through an elevated corridor will smoothen the movement of premium trains starting from Mumbai Central. Express trains will then get a dedicated line and would not have to change tracks, affecting the local train movement.

The official said that although initially a track was laid and a level-crossing was made on the fifth line that was encroached upon, local people opposed it citing that it affects their movement to the burial ground. Hence, the divisional WR office mooted two ideas — one to revive the old plan since track already exists or to build an elevated corridor over the existing road overbridge of Mahim, creek area, Bandra Terminus and burial ground up to Khar.

While both the plans are under consideration by the headquarters, the divisional office is more keen on the elevated corridor project. The proposed plan is with the construction department for understanding the cost factor, the official added.

The WR operates a total of 1,394 local services daily, including 79 AC services. It caters to over 27.24 lakh commuters on its suburban network everyday.