In a major step towards completing the Panvel-Karjat suburban corridor, the first End Unloading Rake (EUR Rake) entered the section from Mahope station at 5:00 am on Saturday.
The rake, carrying 260-meter-long, 60 kg rail panels from the Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL), will be used to install long welded rail tracks in the corridor.
The project is being executed by Mumbai Rail Vikas Corporation.
“The successful entry of the first End Unloading Rake (EUR) carrying 260-meter-long, 60 Kg rail panels marks a significant milestone in the Panvel-Karjat suburban corridor project. With the installation of Long Welded Rails (LWR), we are ensuring a more durable, efficient, and high-capacity rail infrastructure for Mumbai’s growing suburban network. This development brings us one step closer to providing faster, smoother, and more reliable connectivity for commuters.” said Vilas Sopan Wadekar Chairman & Managing Director, Mumbai Railway Vikas Corporation (MRVC).
"Earlier, the track linking work between Mahope and Chikhale stations was completed using temporarily sourced rails from Central Railway. Now, with the arrival of the specialized EUR rake, fresh rail track laying work will begin immediately" said an official.
"The newly arrived EUR rake will supply rails for a 7.8 km stretch between Mahope and Chikhale. Once this section is completed, additional rail linking will take place at Karjat and Chowk station areas, where more rakes are expected to arrive soon" further added official.
Currently, more than 70% of the Panvel-Karjat Suburban Corridor project is complete. If work continues as planned, the project is expected to be fully operational by December 2025Once completed, the Panvel-Karjat Suburban Corridor will significantly reduce travel time for daily commuters and improve connectivity within the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR).
The project aims to cater to the rising commuter demand while also strengthening freight operations in the region."The corridor will serve as a crucial link between Panvel and Karjat, enhancing Mumbai’s suburban railway network and supporting regional economic growth," said another railway official.
