Vasai Rail Bypass Project to Clear 14.18 Hectares of Mangroves

The proposed Vasai bypass rail project connecting Naigaon station and Juchandra station will require the clearing of 14.18 hectares of mangroves, as environmental clearance procedures move forward following recent forest department inspections. The 5.73-kilometer rail line aims to eliminate a major bottleneck for long-distance and freight trains by establishing a direct link between the Western Railway and the Konkan Railway.

Out of the total mangrove area proposed to be diverted, 9.55 hectares will be used for the Vasai bypass line itself. An additional 4.63 hectares has been earmarked for stabling lines being developed under MUTP-IIIA.

Preparatory environmental work for the project has been progressing over recent months. Railway officials completed the mangrove marking exercise in May, followed by flag marking per instructions from the forest department. The mangrove tree marking report was submitted in June to the divisional forest officer in Thane for a joint site inspection, which the forest department conducted and verified in July.

The Detailed Project Report for the project, estimated at ₹175.99 crore, was sanctioned by the Railway Board in July 2023. A consultancy tender for preparing land plans, Engineering Survey Plans, mangrove-cutting approvals, and other statutory requirements was awarded in July 2024. Land acquisition is currently underway, with a joint measurement planned to determine the exact land area required.

The new route will bypass Vasai Road station, allowing trains travelling from Mumbai’s western suburbs toward the Konkan region to directly access the Konkan Railway. By eliminating the need for trains to reverse at existing junctions, the project is designed to cut travel times and improve the movement of both passenger and freight services.

Several technical reviews remain pending before work can proceed further. The Engineering Survey Plan for Naigaon station, which includes stabling lines under MUTP-3A and a goods shed, is currently under review, while the survey plan for Juchandra is awaiting approval from Central Railway.

The environmental impact of the line has drawn criticism from conservationists. Stalin D, director of the environmental non-profit Vanashakti, stated that the environmental cost of such projects is being ignored and raised concerns over the continued clearing of mangrove habitats.