Mumbai: The expansion of the fifth and sixth railway lines on Central Railway (CR), which involves demolishing the Sion bridge, is facing multiple challenges, primarily the acquisition of 14,626 square meters of land between Kurla and Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT).

Reports citing officials have also confirmed that after the Sion connector is reconstructed in a few years, the Dharavi road overbridge will be demolished to make way for a wider and improved connector. However, this work will only begin once the Sion Bridge project is completed.

Work For Sion ROB Demolition Halted

Six months after the Sion bridge was shut in August, delays in demolition have persisted due to obstacles such as four trees and a toilet block. Railway authorities have urged the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) to expedite the removal of these barriers. The ongoing expansion of the mail express line corridor, which currently runs between Kalyan and Vidyavihar, is set to extend to Parel in the first phase and eventually reach CSMT in the second phase.

Obstacles In Expansion Of Rail Line

This project is expected to bring major improvements by separating suburban and outstation train operations from Kalyan to CSMT. However, key infrastructural and logistical challenges remain. Around 37 railway structures, along with signalling and electrical components, still need to be relocated along the alignment, Mid-day reported.

Additionally, 714 project-affected residents are currently occupying land that is yet to be acquired. The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) is actively working to address their rehabilitation needs.

Kurla-CSMT 5th & 6th Line work progress in Kurla

As part of the expansion, the harbour line platforms at Kurla will be relocated to an elevated level, while the existing harbour line tracks will be repurposed for the fifth and sixth lines. To complete the project, 14,626 square meters of land must be acquired, which includes government-owned mill land, civic body properties and privately held plots. Of this, 5,909.41 square meters belong to the government, while the remaining 8,716.54 square meters are under private ownership.