New rail link to bypass Panvel Junction, reduce freight delays by nearly two hours and enhance connectivity to JNPT, India’s largest container port

Mumbai, June 17, 2026: Indian Railways has approved the construction of the ₹172 crore Somtane–Chikhli Chord Line project in Maharashtra, a key infrastructure initiative aimed at improving freight mobility, decongesting the busy Panvel Junction and strengthening logistics connectivity to Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority (JNPA).

The 3.7-kilometre chord line on Central Railway will create a direct rail connection between Chikhli on the Karjat route and Somtane on the Roha route, eliminating the need for freight trains to enter Panvel Junction or undergo time-consuming engine reversals.

The project is expected to significantly improve freight efficiency on one of western India’s most important logistics corridors.

Key Highlights

• ₹172 crore sanctioned for Somtane–Chikhli Chord Line project
• New 3.7-km rail link to connect Karjat and Roha routes directly
• Freight trains to bypass congested Panvel Junction
• Expected reduction of approximately 110 minutes in detention time per freight train
• Supports logistics linked to JNPT, which handles nearly 60% of India’s container traffic
• Additional freight capacity of 9 Million Tonnes Per Annum (MTPA) planned
• Complements ongoing freight corridor infrastructure around Mumbai

A Missing Link in Maharashtra’s Rail Network

The approved chord line addresses a longstanding operational bottleneck between the Karjat and Roha railway corridors.

Currently, freight trains travelling between these routes are required to pass through Panvel Junction and undertake engine reversals before continuing their journey. This process consumes valuable time, increases congestion and reduces overall network efficiency.

The new Somtane–Chikhli connection will provide a seamless direct route, enabling trains to move more efficiently while reducing pressure on one of the Mumbai Metropolitan Region’s busiest railway junctions.

Decongesting Panvel Junction

Panvel plays a crucial role in Maharashtra’s transportation network, serving rail traffic arriving from Karjat, Roha, Diva and the Jawaharlal Nehru Port area.

As freight and passenger volumes continue to rise, operational constraints at Panvel have become increasingly significant. By allowing trains to bypass the junction, the new chord line is expected to streamline operations and improve overall network fluidity.

The project also aligns with Indian Railways’ broader efforts to increase rail capacity on high-demand corridors and support future freight growth.

Major Benefits for JNPT-Linked Freight Traffic

The project holds particular significance for freight movement connected to Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority (JNPA), India’s largest container gateway.

JNPT handles nearly 60 percent of the country’s container traffic and serves as a critical logistics hub for international trade. Faster rail connectivity between port-linked corridors and inland destinations can improve cargo movement efficiency, reduce turnaround times and lower transportation costs.

According to Indian Railways, the new chord line will save approximately 110 minutes of detention time for each freight train, resulting in significant operational and economic benefits.

Additional Capacity for Future Growth

Upon completion, the project is expected to facilitate an additional 9 Million Tonnes Per Annum (MTPA) of freight traffic.

The Somtane–Chikhli Chord Line also complements previously approved Panvel Elevated Chord Line projects on the JNPT–Karjat and JNPT–Roha corridors, helping create a more integrated freight transportation network across western India.

Together, these projects are expected to improve multimodal logistics connectivity and support future growth in cargo volumes.

What It Means for Hospitality and Tourism

While primarily a freight infrastructure project, improved logistics networks have broader economic implications that extend to the hospitality and tourism sectors.

Efficient freight transportation strengthens supply chains for hotels, restaurants, food processors and retail businesses by facilitating smoother movement of goods, food products and essential supplies.

Infrastructure upgrades around Mumbai and the wider Maharashtra region also contribute to economic growth, investment attraction and urban development, all of which support demand for hospitality services and business travel.

Boost for Business Travel and Regional Development

Mumbai remains India’s leading commercial and financial hub, with JNPT serving as one of the country’s most important gateways for trade and industry.

Enhanced logistics efficiency strengthens the competitiveness of businesses operating in manufacturing, exports, warehousing and supply-chain management. This, in turn, supports corporate travel, industrial investments and demand for hotels, convention facilities and related services.

As Maharashtra continues to expand its logistics and industrial infrastructure, projects such as the Somtane–Chikhli Chord Line play a critical role in supporting long-term economic growth.

Supporting India’s Logistics Transformation

The approval of the Somtane–Chikhli Chord Line reflects Indian Railways’ ongoing commitment to capacity augmentation, freight modernization and multimodal connectivity.

By eliminating a key operational bottleneck and improving access to one of the nation’s busiest ports, the project strengthens India’s logistics ecosystem while supporting broader goals related to economic development, supply-chain efficiency and infrastructure-led growth.

For businesses, logistics operators and regional industries, the new rail link represents another important step towards creating a faster, more efficient and future-ready transportation network.