Prime Minister Narendra Modi marked a significant milestone on Saturday by inaugurating the first suburban train from Uran, a project that began over a quarter of a century ago. In a well-attended function in Ulwe, Navi Mumbai, PM Modi inaugurated the 14.60-kilometer Kharkopar-Uran stretch, forming a crucial part of the 27-kilometer Belapur-Seawoods-Uran suburban corridor. The project, valued at Rs 2973.35 crore, saw a financial collaboration with the Maharashtra government’s CIDCO and the Railways in a 67-33 ratio.
Overcoming Delays: Journey of the Belapur-Seawoods-Uran Suburban Corridor
With a project timeline spanning back to the 1990s, the Belapur-Seawoods-Uran suburban corridor faced numerous delays. Journalist and railway historian Rajendra B Aklekar shed light on the historical significance of the Belapur-Seawoods-Uran suburban corridor, acknowledging it as Maharashtra’s most delayed railway project. With an initial deadline of March 2004, land acquisition hurdles were a primary cause for the extended timeline.
Enhanced Connectivity: Extension of Services to Uran
Presently hosting 40 suburban services, the corridor’s extension to Uran is poised to boost connectivity in the region, including its Special Economic Zone (SEZ). Central Railway announced extended services with halts at key stations and strategic frequency adjustments.
Affordable and Eco-Friendly Transportation: Benefits for Commuters
Central Railway, in a late-night release, emphasized that the extended services aim to benefit students, traders, and daily commuters by providing an affordable and eco-friendly mode of transportation. This move is expected to enhance connectivity to the SEZ area and Navi Mumbai.
Infrastructure Overview: Bridges, Roadways, and Project Costs
The newly inaugurated route boasts one important bridge, two major bridges, 39 minor bridges, three road overbridges (ROBs), and three road underbridges (RUBs). The second phase incurred a cost of Rs 1,433 crore, contributing to the comprehensive development of the corridor.
In another noteworthy development, PM Modi inaugurated the Digha Gaon station, strategically located on the Thane-Vashi/Panvel transharbour line. This station, forming part of the Airoli-Kalwa elevated corridor under MUTP-II, is expected to provide a convenient alternative for thousands of commuters in the area, reducing dependence on Thane or Airoli for boarding local trains.
(With PTI Inputs)