Indian Railways and the Ministry of Railways have officially approved the construction of the Somatne-Chikhli Chord Line in Maharashtra. This project aims to reduce the heavy traffic pressure on Panvel Junction by creating a direct link between the Karjat and Roha corridors. The development will specifically help in moving freight trains more efficiently toward the Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority (JNPA).
What are the project details and costs
The new rail line will be 3.7 kilometers long and is estimated to cost ₹172 crore. This short stretch of track will bridge a long-standing gap in the network, connecting Chikhli station on the Karjat route to Somatne station on the Roha route. The project is being implemented on the Central Railway network to modernize freight infrastructure.
How will this project benefit freight movement
The chord line allows freight trains to bypass Panvel Junction entirely, which means engines will no longer need to be reversed. This change is expected to bring significant operational improvements:
- Time Saving: Each freight train will save approximately 110 minutes of detention time.
- Capacity Boost: The line will facilitate the movement of an additional 9 million tonnes per annum (MTPA) of freight.
- Port Connectivity: It will streamline traffic for JNPT, which handles nearly 60% of India’s container traffic.
Key Project Specifications
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Cost | ₹172 Crore |
| Line Length | 3.7 Kilometers |
| Key Connection | Chikhli to Somatne |
| Time Saved | 110 Minutes per train |
| Additional Capacity | 9 MTPA |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the main purpose of the Somatne-Chikhli Chord Line?
The primary goal is to decongest Panvel Junction by providing a direct link between Karjat and Roha corridors, allowing freight trains to bypass the junction.
How much time will freight trains save with this new line?
Railway officials estimate that the new 3.7 km chord line will save approximately 110 minutes of detention time for each freight train.