Kasara station, the end of the line and the start of the ghat
Kasara station (code KSRA) is the final stop in the north-east sector of the Central line of the Mumbai Suburban Railway, run by the Central Railway. It sits at the foot of the Thal Ghat (also called Kasara Ghat), where the main line to Nashik and north India climbs the Western Ghats. Slow locals take up to 162 minutes from CSMT, and fast locals about 136 minutes.
History
- January 1861: the Great Indian Peninsula Railway's line reaches Kasara (then spelt Kassarah), 68 km from Kalyan.
- 1 January 1865: the Thal Ghat section opens to Igatpuri (then Egutpoora).
- 25 May 2007: the first AC-hauled 4,800-tonne goods train climbs the ghat, ending the DC traction era.
India's steepest railway climb
In the 15 km from Kasara to Igatpuri the line rises from about 289 metres to 585 metres, a gradient of 1 in 37, the steepest on Indian Railways. It winds through curves, tunnels and the Ehegaon viaduct, 219 m long and 55 m high, works long admired as feats of civil engineering. Under DC traction, long goods trains had to be split in two to make the climb; with AC traction, six locomotives now haul the whole train.
Trains at Kasara
About 15 trains originate at Kasara, mostly Mumbai locals, and long-distance trains such as the Panchavati Express, Punjab Mail and Devagiri Express also call here. Beyond the ghat, the line continues to Igatpuri and Nashik Road.
Station facts
Kasara has 4 platforms on ten tracks. There is no parking at the station. The nearest airport is Nashik, about 73 km away.
Frequently asked questions
How long does a local train take from CSMT to Kasara?
About 136 minutes by fast local and up to 162 minutes by slow local.
What is the Thal Ghat?
The ghat section between Kasara and Igatpuri, with India's steepest railway gradient of 1 in 37.
Check express timings on our train schedule page.