This chord line addresses a critical missing rail link, enabling direct connectivity between the Karjat and Roha corridors. It will allow trains to bypass the congested Panvel Junction, avoiding the need for time-consuming engine reversals.
Panvel Junction is one of the busiest in the Mumbai region, handling traffic from four major directions including Roha, Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust (JNPT), Karjat, and Diva. Currently, the lack of a direct chord between Karjat and Roha routes causes operational delays and congestion due to Panvel’s heavy traffic.
The project is particularly important for freight traffic linked to JNPT, which manages nearly 60% of India’s container traffic. At present, freight trains moving between the Karjat, Jasai, and Roha corridors must enter Panvel Junction and reverse engines before continuing, causing significant delays.
Once commissioned, the Somtane-Chikhli Chord Line will allow freight trains to bypass Panvel, saving approximately 110 minutes of detention time per train and enhancing turnaround and logistics efficiency.
Additionally, the chord line is expected to increase traffic capacity by approximately nine million tonnes per annum. It complements the already approved Panvel Elevated Chord Lines on the JNPT-Karjat and JNPT-Roha sections, filling a key gap in western India’s freight connectivity network.
This development underlines Indian Railways’ commitment to capacity augmentation, multimodal connectivity, and the creation of efficient freight infrastructure to support India’s growing logistical and economic needs.
