Dinesh Kamath's Editorial (CST to Panvel in just 45 minutes by 2019) that was published in Newsband

CST to Panvel in just 45 minutes by 2019?

The techno-economic feasibility study for the Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus-Panvel high-speed corridor has pegged the project's cost at Rs 11,000 crore. It has recommended 9-car services for the corridor and a travel time of 45 minutes by 2019, as against the present 77 minutes.

Rail India Technical and Economic Services Limited (RITES) presented an interim report to the Mumbai Rail Vikas Corporation (MRVC), which will execute the project in association with the state government through a public private partnership. The corridor will establish rail connectivity between South Mumbai and the Navi Mumbai international airport.

The consultant has recommended halts at 10 destinations, including Navi Mumbai airport. It will halt at elect stations on the Harbour line and can attain a maximum speed of 110 kmph to ensure faster transportation of commuters. Halts have been identified according to the importance of stations or where the interchange facility is available through the rail, metro or mono networks.

The frequency of train services is estimated at 4.5-5 minutes. It will ensure at least 14 services per hour. Due to the continuous automatic train control (CATC), headway can be improved without compromising on safety.

The system is expected to have 21,000 peak hour-peak direction (PHPD) trips by 2019 and 39,000 by 2031. A 30% shift from the suburban line and 20% shift from road traffic are expected once operation begins on the corridor.

The corridor will run on broad gauge, with each coach having a capacity of around 350 passengers. Unlike the seat position in existing rakes, coaches for the proposed corridor will have a longitudinal design, similar to the Delhi Metro. The new terminal for the service will come towards the east of CST.

The elevated route will follow P D'Mello Road/Barrister Nath Pai Marg and will enter railway land just short of Reay Road between the existing track and under-construction eastern freeway. It will be at an elevated level up to Mankhurd, from where it will take the ground level up to Panvel and the Navi Mumbai international airport.

RITES also identified spots where station buildings can come up. The alignment will be more or less final, barring minor changes in the final report that will be submitted a few months later. The project's financial model will soon be submitted too.

The CST-Panvel corridor alignment will skirt Navi Mumbai airport. But the consultant has recommended 8.5 km spur route linking the airport via the Nerul Seawood section.