The project estimated to cost Rs 401.66 crore will be completed in two phases within the next three years. The first phase will cover the Borivli-Bhayander section, a distance of 9.2 kms and Vasai Road-Virar at 8.2 kms. The second phase will cover the consturction of two bridges over the Vasai creek. Work has started with a budgetary grant of Rs. 40 crore during this year.

Speaking at the function, Naik claimed that 13 tenders regarding construction have already been awarded. "The electrification of the line will be done on AC tractions," he said.

With the inauguration of the project, Naik has succeeded in earning the goodwill of the residents of the area who have been pressing for this project for nearly 20 years. Though the project had been approved by the Railway Boardin 1995-96 under the Build Operate and Lease Scheme, along the model shown by CIDCO in Navi Mumbai - but it is decided laterthat this project would be executed by railway funds.

Other than this, the doubling of railway tracks along the Vasai Road-Diva route is like to be completed by March 2001. "Once the project is completed, we will start a train between Dahanu Road and Sawantwadi," Naik added.

Funding these projects will be Mumbai Rail Vikas Corporation (MRVC) under the Metropolitan Transport Project. The MRVC , one of the main conditions for availing a loan from the World Bank, will be set up within one month, Naik said.

However the setting up of the Government Railway Police Commissionerate in Mumbai is unlikely to see the light of the day for some time. "We have received the proposal from the State Government only 15 days back, we need time to study it," Naik said.