'Increase train services on Virar-Dahanu stretch'

Even though the deadline to begin running suburban trains on the first corridor of Virar-Dahanu has not been set, the project planning and implementing agency of the Mumbai Rail Vikas Corporation (MRVC) wants railways to start work as soon as possible. Sources at MRVC feel that increasing services on the 63-km stretch is important for Western Railway (WR), if they want to keep pace with the developmental work in that region. There are several housing projects in the anvil on this stretch, with many big developers already making announcements. Snehal Rebello reports

Even though the deadline to begin running suburban trains on the first corridor of Virar-Dahanu has not been set, the project planning and implementing agency of the Mumbai Rail Vikas Corporation (MRVC) wants railways to start work as soon as possible. Sources at MRVC feel that increasing services on the 63-km stretch is important for Western Railway (WR), if they want to keep pace with the developmental work in that region. There are several housing projects in the anvil on this stretch, with many big developers already making announcements.

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"If quadrupling services isn't done now then it will become very difficult for railways, when the number of commuters coming to the city increases," said a senior MRVC official, on condition of anonymity as he is not authorized to speak to the media.

Around 77,000 commuters come into the city daily from places like Vaitarna, Saphale, Kelve Road, Palghar, Umroli, Boisar and Vangaon using the train services.

At the recent press conference, the general manager of WR, RN Verma said there can be no deadline for starting suburban services. "There aren't enough rakes available at the moment. Even after services begin, limited number of trains will run," he said.