Indian Railways has approved a ₹497-crore project to double the 10.86-kilometre Chouk-Karjat railway section in Maharashtra. This project will improve the line capacity and allow for smooth movement of passenger and freight trains on the Panvel-Chouk-Karjat route.
The Chouk-Karjat line is currently only one line and is a vital part of the railway network connecting the region. The doubling project is in line with Indian Railways’ long-term policy to boost capacity in busy routes and improve efficiency in trains.
When the additional track is completed, the section will be able to accommodate more passenger services as well. The railway authorities say that five additional passenger trains will be operated in each direction every day.
The project will also help boost freight transport. The doubled section is expected to carry an additional 18.35 million tonnes per annum (MTPA) of freight traffic.
Greater capacity could also reduce the detention of goods trains and improve the movement of freight on the route.
The Chouk-Karjat section is part of a broader network around Panvel and Karjat connecting passenger and goods traffic. A new track for rail services will also offer more flexibility in train service scheduling and traffic management on the corridor.
The project comes at a time of railway infrastructure development in Maharashtra. Indian Railways is working on various projects involving doubling, new railway connections, and capacity expansion to reduce congestion and improve connectivity.
The Panvel-Karjat region has also seen other infrastructure initiatives. Indian Railways approved a 3.7-kilometre Somtane-Chikhli chord line in 2026.
The proposed connection will connect the Karjat and Roha routes more directly and allow freight trains to bypass the busy Panvel Junction.
The ₹497-crore Chouk-Karjat doubling project is another step towards expanding railway capacity in the region. With a second track on the line, passenger and freight services will be made available.
For passengers, the additional capacity could allow for more train services in the future. For freight operators, the expanded line space could enable goods to be moved with less track congestion and less delay due to limited track availability.
The project is part of Indian Railways’ larger strategy to upgrade infrastructure, increase network capacity, and make the entire passenger and freight transportation system more efficient across the country.
