Airoli–Kalwa Elevated Rail Project Hits Land, Rehab Hurdles; MRVC Targets Completion After R&R

Despite the obstacles and delays in rehabilitating the project-affected families during the second phase, the Mumbai Railway Vikas Corporation (MRVC) remains hopeful about the completion of the long-pending Airoli–Kalwa elevated suburban rail corridor a key infrastructure project aimed at decongesting Thane railway station.

"While the project has faced challenges primarily related to land acquisition and the rehabilitation of project-affected persons (PAPs) these are being actively addressed in coordination with the concerned state authorities. Notably, over 95% of the required land is already in possession" said an official of MRVC. Apart from decongestion of Thane railway station, the corridor aims to connect Airoli with Kalwa, offering faster and more direct rail access for commuters in Mumbra, Diva, Dombivli, and Kalyan. Officials claim the project has reached 45% physical progress but acknowledge that major hurdles remain—chiefly in the form of land acquisition and rehabilitation of affected households. The project was launched almost 8 years ago.

Progress So Far: Phase-I Commissioned

The project is being implemented in two phases. Phase-I, which did not require land acquisition or rehabilitation, was completed and commissioned on January 12, 2024. This segment included the construction of the new Digha Gaon halt station, along with key infrastructure such as Bridges 36/4 and 36/5 and girder launching for the Mukund Road Under Bridge (RUB)."This phase was crucial as it laid the groundwork for the elevated corridor and showcased the feasibility of the project without the complications of land-related delays," an MRVC official said.

Phase-II Faces Setbacks Over Land, Rehabilitation

However, Phase-II—which involves the elevated stretch between Airoli and Kalwa—is facing significant delays. The problem lies in the acquisition of the remaining 0.53 hectares of private land out of a required 2.40 hectares, as well as the resettlement of 786 project-affected households (PAHs) in Bhola Nagar and Shivaji Nagar.“While 1.87 hectares of government-owned land have been secured, the private land acquisition is still in process. Rehabilitation efforts are also stalled due to resistance from local residents,” a source close to the matter said.The MRVC, in coordination with the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA), is holding regular meetings to address the resettlement roadblocks, but no definitive resolution has yet emerged."In collaboration with the Ministry of Railways and the Government of Maharashtra, MRVC is making every effort to ensure that all MUTP projects are implemented in a sustainable, inclusive, and commuter-centric manner" further added an official.

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Completion Tied to Rehabilitation Timeline

According to officials, the corridor is slated for completion within 36 months of finalizing the resettlement and rehabilitation (R&R) process. Once operational, it is expected to relieve pressure on Thane station, one of the busiest on the Central Railway network, and enhance commuting efficiency for thousands of daily passengers.

“The Airoli–Kalwa elevated suburban corridor is a transformative project aimed at enhancing connectivity in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region. With Phase-I already commissioned, we are actively working with all stakeholders to expedite land acquisition and rehabilitation to enable the commencement of Phase-II.” said Sunil G Udasi, Chief Public Relations Officer, MRVC.