New Delhi, 18 September (H.S.): Indian Railways has approved the doubling of the Chowk-Karjat rail section in Maharashtra, with an estimated investment of Rs.497 crore. The 10.86-kilometre project is expected to increase the capacity of the existing railway corridor and facilitate smoother train operations.

According to the Ministry of Railways, the Chowk-Karjat section forms part of the Panvel-Chowk-Karjat route and is an important corridor for both passenger and freight transportation. At present, the section has a single railway line. Doubling the track is expected to enhance its carrying capacity and enable more efficient train operations.

The ministry said the project has been approved as part of a broader programme involving railway infrastructure works such as doubling, tripling and quadrupling of tracks, along with the construction of flyovers and bypasses. These projects are aimed at improving network capacity and easing operational constraints on busy railway routes.

Once completed, the Chowk-Karjat doubling project will enable the operation of five additional passenger trains in each direction every day. This will provide scope for increased passenger services and improve the overall efficiency of the route.

The project is also expected to create an additional annual freight-handling capacity of 18.35 million tonnes. With greater track capacity, the movement of freight trains is expected to become more streamlined, potentially reducing stoppages and delays affecting goods services.

The doubling of the section is therefore expected to strengthen the Panvel-Chowk-Karjat corridor by improving both passenger and freight movement and supporting the expansion of railway capacity in Maharashtra.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar