Vasai Bypass rail project hits fresh hurdle as land survey delays acquisition

The Vasai Bypass rail project, which aims to create a direct rail link between Western Railway and the Konkan Railway network, has encountered a new setback. The 5.73-km Vasai Bypass and Naigaon-Juchandra chord line, estimated to cost Rs 176 crore, is held up due to delays in the crucial land survey required for acquisition. Despite the project's Detailed Project Report being sanctioned by the Railway Board in July 2023 and a consultancy contract for surveys and clearances being awarded a year later, the survey is yet to be conducted.

This survey will determine land ownership and the exact area needed for compensation and final acquisition. Engineering approvals for Naigaon and Juchandra, the two key locations, are also at different stages. The project involves diverting 14.10 hectares of mangrove land, with 9.6 hectares earmarked for the bypass and 4.6 hectares for stabling lines under the Mumbai Urban Transport Project (MUTP) 3A.

Forest authorities are examining this proposal, and while a joint site inspection has been completed and reports sent to the department, the Joint Measurement Survey (JMS) that would finalize the land acquisition remains pending. Additionally, land acquisition proposals covering 8.1 hectares have been submitted to the Palghar district administration in two phases, and gazette notifications under the Railways Act have been issued.