MRVC Achieves Breakthrough of Longest Tunnel in Mumbai Suburban Railway Network

Mumbai, 8th June 2024: Mumbai: The Mumbai Railway Vikas Corporation (MRVC) has achieved a significant milestone with the breakthrough of the 2,625-metre Wavarle tunnel, marking the longest tunnel in the Mumbai suburban railway network. This tunnel is a key component of the Panvel-Karjat railway project under the Mumbai Urban Transport Project-3 (MUTP-3), which commenced on February 22 of the previous year.

Sunil Udasi, MRVC’s chief public relations officer, highlighted, “The Panvel-Karjat railway project entails the construction of three tunnels totaling 3,164 meters. Breakthroughs have also been achieved for the Nadhamuni (219 meters) and Kirawali (320 meters) tunnels. MRVC has completed 50% of the Rs 2,782-crore project, with a target to open by December 2025.”

The Wavarle tunnel was constructed using the new Austrian tunneling method, characterized by cyclic excavation, primary support, and delayed secondary lining. The tunnel boasts a ballastless track, public refuge areas, a tunnel control system, lighting, firefighting, and ventilation systems adhering to international standards. It measures 7.32 metres in height and 13.28 metres in width.

The excavation process faced significant challenges, including fractured rock masses with water seepage and minimal cover as low as 12 metres. Additionally, two water streams intersect the tunnel alignment at the low cover zone. Despite these obstacles, an average excavation rate of 175 metres per month was maintained through strategic planning and daytime blasting, as night blasting is prohibited.

The new double-line corridor will enhance connectivity by enabling local trains to operate between Mumbai and Karjat via Panvel, supplementing the existing line utilized for freight and some long-distance passenger services. This development will link Navi Mumbai with Raigad district, fostering the growth of Panvel, Karjat, and the proposed Navi Mumbai Airport Influence Notified Area.

The project requires the acquisition of over 57 hectares of private land and 4.4 hectares of government land. Permissions for forest land were granted by the chief conservator of forests in Thane in August 2022. MRVC has also initiated station construction at Panvel, Chikhale, Mohape, Chowk, and Karjat stations, along with the development of railway flyovers.