Mumbai’s local train network continues to face heavy crowding, especially on the busy Thane-Kalyan stretch. Every day, lakhs of commuters depend on this section to travel to work, college, and other parts
of the city. With trains packed during peak hours, the pressure on this route has only increased over the years.
To deal with the growing rush, Central Railway is now looking at new options to add more rail lines. Since space on the ground is limited in many areas, officials are exploring whether some parts of the new lines can be built underground.
Why The Thane-Kalyan Route Is Under Strain
The 10.8-km stretch between Thane and Kalyan is one of the busiest sections of Mumbai’s suburban rail network. Nearly 1,000 trains pass through this corridor daily. It also connects several important routes, making it a key link for commuters travelling across the Mumbai Metropolitan Region.
Thane connects the main line with the trans-harbour route towards Panvel. Diva links suburban services to Roha, while Kalyan is where routes split towards Kasara and Karjat-Khopoli. Due to this, passenger movement remains high throughout the day, especially during office hours.
Railways Consider Underground Tracks
Central Railway is planning its 7th and 8th lines on this stretch. However, officials say adding tracks on the surface is difficult in crowded areas, especially near Dombivli. As a result, building underground rail lines at select locations is being seriously studied.
A third-party agency has been appointed to carry out a Final Location Survey, as per The Free Press Journal. This study will examine whether underground sections are necessary, where they should be located, and how they can be constructed. According to reports, the survey is still in its early stages and is expected to be completed by mid-2026.
Past Work Brought Limited Relief
In 2022, Central Railway completed the 5th and 6th lines between Thane and Diva after long delays. While this helped ease some congestion, officials admit it was not enough. Passenger numbers have continued to rise, and certain stretches still face severe crowding.
Diva Station remains one of the busiest points on the route. Around 70-75 per cent of local trains halt there, leading to frequent closure of the nearby level crossing. This affects both train movement and road traffic in the area.
Bigger Plans For Mumbai’s Rail Network
The underground lines are part of a larger plan to separate suburban and long-distance trains. Central Railway is also reportedly looking to expand Lokmanya Tilak Terminus and develop Parel as a new terminal. These steps aim to reduce pressure on major stations like CSMT and Dadar.
