Indian Railways approves 497 crore doubling project for Chouk Karjat rail section
The Ministry of Railways has officially approved a crucial infrastructure upgrade to enhance rail capacity and connectivity in Maharashtra. The Ministry announced on September 18, 2026, that the 10.86-kilometer Chouk-Karjat rail section will be doubled to alleviate traffic bottlenecks and improve regional transit. This project is part of a broader national initiative focused on capacity augmentation through line doubling, tripling, and the construction of vital infrastructure like flyovers and bypasses.
Here are the key highlights of the newly sanctioned railway project:
- Sanctioned at an estimated cost of ₹497 crore.
- Falls under the jurisdiction of the Central Railway zone.
- Spans a length of 10.86 kilometers currently operating as a single-track line.
- Forms a critical component of the Panvel-Chouk-Karjat corridor, linking Raigad district to the Mumbai suburban rail network.
- Expected to facilitate the movement of five additional passenger trains in each direction daily.
- Projected to boost freight capacity by 18.35 million tonnes of goods traffic annually (MTPA).
Enhancing Commuter and Freight Movement
The single-track stretch between Chouk and Karjat has long been a vital link for daily commuters and freight operators alike. By converting this into a double-track line, Indian Railways aims to resolve chronic congestion issues that currently slow down train operations in the region. For everyday travellers, the expansion will translate into better commuter frequency and more reliable travel times when commuting between the Raigad district and the bustling Mumbai suburban network.
Boosting Regional Economy
Beyond passenger convenience, the infrastructure upgrade plays a monumental role in transforming freight logistics. The addition of the double track is projected to handle an impressive 18.35 million tonnes of goods traffic annually. Railway officials anticipate that this massive boost in freight capacity will substantially reduce waiting times for cargo trains and accelerate the transit of goods across key industrial and commercial routes. While the Ministry of Railways has confirmed the formal approval of the ₹497 crore project, authorities have yet to finalize a specific construction timeline for the infrastructure upgrade.