Fatal NH-61 crash revives demand for long-pending Kalyan-Murbad rail link

Kalyan: The ongoing Mumbai–Delhi highway project passing through Rayta has led to a proposed change in the route of the long-pending Kalyan-Murbad railway line, with the state govt now planning to shift the starting point from Shahad to Titwala railway station in a bid to reduce project costs and avoid alignment conflicts.The development comes in the backdrop of a tragic road accident on National Highway 61 near the partially opened Rayta bridge, which claimed 11 lives and once again brought focus on the lack of robust connectivity to Murbad in Thane district.Residents said Murbad, a largely rural taluka, is heavily dependent on road connectivity via Kalyan for access to Mumbai, making travel both risky and time-consuming. The recent incident has intensified calls for expediting the railway project.The Central Railway had earlier sanctioned the 28-km rail corridor at an estimated cost of Rs 836 crore, to be developed on a 50:50 cost-sharing basis between Indian Railways and the Maharashtra govt.The proposed line, earlier planned via Shahad, Ambivli, Kamba Road and Apti, is expected to cut travel time between Kalyan and Murbad from nearly an hour to about 30 minutes and boost regional connectivity.BJP MLA Kisan Kathore said the route revision via Titwala is being considered due to the Delhi-Mumbai highway project work near the Ulhas river. Meanwhile, Bhiwandi MP Suresh Mhatre alias Balya Mama said a coordination committee will be formed to fast-track the project, stressing the need for priority execution.