The Mumbai Railway Vikas Corporation Ltd. (MRVC) is planning to construct all-weather subways at three to four vulnerable locations across the Mumbai suburban railway network to curb accidents and fatalities caused by railway track trespassing.
The move follows the successful commissioning of an all-weather subway near Bhiwandi Road, which MRVC plans to use as a model for similar facilities. The three locations currently identified for assessment are Thane-Dighe, Sanpada Carshed and Titwala-Khadavli. A fourth location is yet to be finalised.
The proposed subways are still at the planning stage. Their exact locations, dimensions, designs, technical specifications and construction methods will be decided after detailed site assessments.
The Bhiwandi Road subway was constructed beneath seven operational railway tracks on the Panvel-Vasai Road corridor without disrupting train services.
Four large precast reinforced concrete (RCC) segments were installed beneath the live tracks using hydraulic pushing technology. The structure features multiple waterproofing layers and protective membranes to prevent water seepage.
It has also been designed to withstand heavy loads, including those associated with the Dedicated Freight Corridor loading standards. Covered approaches, lighting, ventilation and drainage facilities have been provided.
The facility enables pedestrians and two-wheeler users to cross safely without entering the railway tracks, improving both safety and local connectivity.
MRVC will study Thane-Dighe, Sanpada Carshed and Titwala-Khadavli to determine the feasibility of similar all-weather crossings. The objective is to provide safer alternatives at locations where people frequently cross railway tracks, potentially reducing trespassing-related deaths and injuries.
The final sites and execution plans will be decided after technical and safety assessments.
Separately, MRVC has launched a technical assistance study for the fourth phase of the Mumbai Urban Transport Project (MUTP-4) to plan infrastructure for rising passenger demand across Mumbai and its surrounding satellite towns.
Demand projections will be prepared for 2030, 2035, 2040 and 2047. The study will examine new railway corridors, additional tracks, station upgrades and options to separate suburban services from mainline traffic.
Plans under consideration include Kavach 5.0, improved signalling, more AC EMUs, additional power supply, stabling lines and maintenance depots. Platforms may also be extended to accommodate 15-car trains, while high-footfall stations could receive new terminals.
Around 40 remaining suburban stations will be assessed for wider platforms, foot overbridges, decks, escalators, lifts and improved multimodal connectivity.
The exercise will also focus on MRVC's "Mission Zero Death" objective by analysing fatality data, trespassing patterns and access-control measures. Initial proposals with indicative costs will be submitted to MRVC, Zonal Railways and the state government before Detailed Project Reports are prepared.
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