Third railway line opens between Kharadi and Kasara on 13.53 km section

Central Railway has commissioned a 13.53 km third railway line between Kharadi and Kasara. It is being seen as an important milestone in the Kalyan-Kasara third line project. The new line is expected to raise rail capacity and improve train operations on the Mumbai-Kasara corridor.

A speed trial on the newly built line was conducted at 117 kmph and was successful. The Commissioner of Railway Safety (CRS) then carried out an inspection on October 17 and 18. After the inspection, trains were permitted to run on the line at a maximum speed of 100 kmph.

The work began on the night of October 17-18, when a 12-hour traffic block was taken. Railway officials then completed major track connections and remodelling work in the Kasara yard.

Railway officials expect the additional track to ease congestion. Movement of suburban trains, long-distance trains and goods trains is also expected to improve. Once the entire third line project is complete, officials expect greater flexibility in scheduling and better punctuality on this busy route.

The project involved a great deal of work. An electrified railway line had to be built through difficult hilly terrain. Bridges were strengthened and extended. Earthwork was carried out on a large scale, and the signalling system and railway yard were also upgraded.

The Kharadi-Kasara section is only one part of the larger Kalyan-Kasara third line project. The remaining sections are under construction. The next phase is planned between Kharadi and Asangaon.

The new section will add to the corridor's capacity, but daily commuters will get the full benefit only when the remaining sections are complete. It will also depend on how train services are scheduled on the expanded network.