Passengers travelling between Panvel and Karjat will soon experience more convenience, thanks to the Mumbai Urban Transport Project (MUTP-3). This project involves the construction of a 29.6 km long corridor, which should alleviate the commuting challenges for residents near Mumbai. A key feature of this railway line is the construction of the Waverley Tunnel, which will be the longest tunnel on the Mumbai Suburban Railway line.

The new railway line promises to provide significant benefits for passengers by reducing the distance between Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) and Karjat. Five stations are currently under construction along this route, namely Panvel, Mahape, Chikle, Chowk and Karjat. The entire railway line covers 30 km and includes three tunnels, two railway viaducts, 44 large and small bridges, 15 road-underbridges and seven road-over bridges.

Following the completion of this project, congestion between Thane and Kalyan stations is expected to decrease significantly, potentially leading to a reduction in overcrowding problems.

The estimated cost of MUTP-3 is Rs 109.47 billion, with project approval dating back to 2016. It is expected that this route will be accessible to travelers in March 2025.

Construction of the Waverley tunnel began in February and significant progress has already been made, with part of the tunnel already drilled.

Construction work includes waterproofing and corrosion protection measures. A total of 56.87 hectares of private land, 4.4 hectares of public land and 9.13 hectares of forest area have been allocated for this railway line. Land acquisition has taken place in areas such as Barwai, Wavarle, Belwali, Bhingar, Lodhiwali, Kirwali and Wanjale.

The Panvel-Karjat railway line will add another suburban rail corridor to Mumbai's transport network, connecting Navi Mumbai to the Raigad district of the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR). In particular, the public has yet to be given full access to the fourth corridor on the Nerul/Belapur-Kharkopar-Uran line, which was completed in November 2018.

This new route is part of the railway's initiative to improve access to disadvantaged areas in the MMR. It will facilitate local rail traffic between Mumbai and Karjat via Panvel and is expected to drive growth in the fast-growing cities of Panvel, Karjat and the expected Navi Mumbai Airport Influence Notified Area.