The Narangi Fatak near Virar station is set to close soon as a new road overbridge nears completion. This development has been long awaited, as the location has been notorious for traffic jams and rail delays caused by vehicles getting stuck in the crossing. The overbridge is expected to partially open in the coming weeks.
Narangi Fatak: A Historic Bottleneck
The Narangi Fatak, officially designated as Level Crossing (LC) 41, has consistently posed challenges for motorists and train passengers alike. With one of the highest Train Vehicle Units (TVU) in the region, this crossing is a key transit point for many. Local officials report that at least one water tanker or truck becomes stuck on the tracks each week, leading to significant delays for both road and rail traffic.
Challenges and Delays
- The crossing experiences delays of 20-30 minutes regularly.
- It has a TVU rating of 3,43,000 per annum, indicating high traffic density.
- Vehicles struggle with the uneven and humped surface of the crossing.
Every week, countless vehicles, especially those transporting water, utilize this crossing, resulting in frequent disruptions. Rail officials emphasize that the new bridge will substantially alleviate these bottlenecks and ensure smoother operations.
Upcoming Infrastructure Improvements
The ongoing project at Narangi includes the construction of a bowstring road overbridge. This effort is part of the broader Virar-Dahanu section quadrupling project under the Mumbai Urban Transport Project-3. The plan aims to improve safety and efficiency across the Mumbai Western Railway network by upgrading various railway crossings.
Community Responses
Local activists have raised concerns regarding the crossing’s closure. Some have requested the construction of a road underbridge before the gates are officially closed. They believe this could further enhance safety and traffic flow.
Benefits of the New Overbridge
- Will provide a crucial relief to Vaitarna-Dahanu Road traffic.
- Expected to improve punctuality for Dahanu-bound local trains.
- Facilitates faster commutes between Virar East and West by reducing congestion.
According to transportation experts and local activists, the closure of the Narangi Fatak will enhance the overall efficiency of train services and minimize delays. The opening of the new road bridge is highly anticipated as it will benefit both road and rail traffic in the area.
