The Central Railway has confirmed the development of a new fourth rail line between Karjat and Panvel, aimed at improving connectivity within the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR).

The 29-km stretch, with an estimated cost of Rs 491 crore, is expected to ease congestion and facilitate direct access between Pune and the Navi Mumbai International Airport. The final detailed project report (DPR) was submitted to the Railway Board on 07 April, 2023, and work is reportedly progressing swiftly.

The Mumbai Rail Vikas Corporation is also building two additional suburban lines to complement this initiative, with a targeted completion timeline of December 2025. The new Karjat-Panvel line will mirror existing infrastructure that currently caters primarily to freight and select long-distance services, increasing capacity for suburban trains and reducing travel times. Part of the larger Mumbai Urban Transport Project 3 (MUTP-3), the project is expected to include some of the longest bridges and tunnels within the Mumbai rail network.

Central Railway is also preparing three dedicated local trains for this corridor. The line is set to benefit fast-growing regions like Panvel, Karjat, and the Navi Mumbai Airport Influence Notified Area (NAINA), and improve airport accessibility for travellers from Pune.The new rail corridor is anticipated to be a key enabler of sustainable urban growth and improved suburban mobility across the region.