Both Central and Western Railways carry the highest passenger volumes in the country, making the project extremely challenging.
Mumbai: With space scarcity in South Mumbai becoming a major hurdle for urban planning and public infrastructure, authorities are exploring underground railway options to free up about 40 acres of land. The Mumbai Railway Vikas Corporation (MRVC) has initiated a feasibility study for underground rail corridors between Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT)–Parel and Churchgate–Mumbai Central.
The idea was presented by MRVC Chairman and Managing Director Vilas Wadekar along with Mumbai Municipal Commissioner Bhushan Gagrani. Two Japanese firms — Pedeco and Pacific — have been appointed to carry out the technical and financial feasibility assessments within six months.
Currently, the Churchgate–Mumbai Central section of Western Railway has four tracks and three stations over a stretch of 5 km, with a total width of about 25 meters. Two options are under consideration: building four separate tunnels (one for each track) or two twin tunnels (two tracks each). Tunnel Boring Machines (TBMs) can be deployed from Churchgate, with sufficient space near Mumbai Central to reconnect trains to the surface.
On the Central Railway side, the fifth and sixth lines between CSMT and Kurla, approved under MUTP-2, have faced delays due to land constraints. As a solution, the project is now being implemented in two phases: CSMT–Parel and Parel–Kurla. At present, four tracks connect CSMT and Parel — with express/mail trains and fast locals sharing the fast corridor. The new plan aims to shift express/mail trains onto the existing fast lines and build new underground lines exclusively for fast locals, stopping only at Byculla before reaching Parel. Land availability at Parel also makes it feasible to bring trains back to the surface.
Both Central and Western Railways carry the highest passenger volumes in the country, making the project extremely challenging. Adequate ventilation systems and crowd-management measures will be crucial. For context, the 33-km underground Mumbai Metro cost Rs. 37,000 crores; the 5-km underground rail sections are expected to be significantly cheaper.
If successful, experts believe this project could shape Mumbai’s transport infrastructure for the next 100 years, while also opening prime land along the Arabian Sea, giving the city a new global identity.
 has initiated a feasibility study for underground rail corridors between Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT)–Parel and Churchgate–Mumbai Central.){kind=link}