100m-long tunnel to come up between Thane and Diva

In order to accommodate the fifth and sixth railway lines between Thane and Diva stations, the Mumbai Rail Vikas Corporation (MRVC) will be constructing a 100 metre-long tunnel between the two stations.

In order to accommodate the fifth and sixth railway lines between Thane and Diva stations, the Mumbai Rail Vikas Corporation (MRVC) will be constructing a 100 metre-long tunnel between the two stations.

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The MRVC is building the tunnel as part of the second phase of the Mumbai Urban Transport Project (MUTP-II). It would entail an expenditure of Rs5.5 crore.

According to officials, the construction of the proposed tunnel, which will be built by caving a hole in the Nutan hill between Kalwa and Mumbra, would begin by November end.

The Nutan hill was named eponymously after the actor as her bungalow was situated on top of it, said Prakash Vazalwar, chief coordinating officer, MRVC.

"Proper clearances are needed as controlled blasts will have to be undertaken to make space to lay two tracks under the hill. This should take about six months to a year," said Vazalwar.

MRVC has not received all mandatory clearances as yet as a portion of the land being used belongs to the forest department. "We will start construction on the land that belongs to us. Meanwhile, we will procure a no objection certificate from the state government's environment and forest department," said Vazalwar.

"We are unlikely to be denied permission as according to the Railway Act, the coastal regulatory authority cannot object to the MUTP project," he
added.