The Central Railway (CR) is constructing a new goods shed adjoining two platforms at Uran, and is renovating the existing one in Trombay. The cost of constructing both sheds will go up to INR 25 crores. Both the sheds will be ready by the year-end, a senior official from CR said.
In Uran, the shed is being constructed parallel to Uran's suburban station. It is part of a new line Seawoods-Kharkopar-Uran that was likely to be opened last month. The main objective will be drawing maximum revenue from Karanja Port, which is at 2-3 kilometers distance.
The CR official stated, "We are in discussions with Karanja port, and rail connectivity will be further developed if they agree to use the railways for the transportation of goods."
Since there is little demand, Karanja Port, which is administered by a private organization, has shown little interest in the railroads' proposal. According to the official, coal is primarily transported by road within Maharashtra from the port.
The Mumbai Trans Harbour Sealink is being constructed by the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA). The sealink is believed to develop Navi Mumbai into a logistic hub in the coming years. Its close proximity with the Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority (JNPTA) will make turning Navi Mumbai into a logistic hub possible.
Therefore, the railways are also looking for methods to make money, and one such proposal includes the Uran goods shed, according to the CR official.
The Trans Harbor Line connecting Uran in Navi Mumbai to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT)’s opening was scheduled for July 15, but again the project is delayed and not the rail route is not yet functional. The 26.7-kilometer-long route has been built in two phases. In November 2018, phase one of the project connecting Kharkopar and Nerul/Belapur was activated for commercial use. Phase two was expected to start before the Monsoon Session and PM Narendra Modi’s visit, but for some unknown reason is delayed again. Once this route is available for commuters, people can reach CSMT from Uran in 45 minutes.
The current Trombay goods shed, which can hold 22 wagon trains, is being upgraded so that it can hold 42 wagon trains.
The demand from oil and petroleum businesses, including BPCL and others, who have refineries in Mahul, eastern Mumbai, in Trombay, has led to the expansion of this cargo terminal.
At present, the CR has nine goods sheds of full-length capacity serving 42 wagon trains at Mulund, Kalyan, Bhiwandi, Taloja, Kalamboli, Pen, Nagothane, Roha, and Trombay (half-length), besides 28 siding tracks connected to private units for freight movement.
According to the CR, they loaded 1,020 rakes with cars and transported 1.02 lakh vehicles, generating revenue of INR 159.14 crore between April 1, 2022, and March 31, this year.
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