The suburban railway stations in Mumbai appeared to be about to collapse with the constant influx of people, but the railways had accomplished the unimaginable in this cramped metropolis. The Mumbai Rail Vikas Corporation (MRVC) is carrying out the Station Improvement Project, which is adding more than 6.43 lakh sq ft, or 147 acres, to suburban stations on both the Western and Central Railways. This is the equal of almost six Azad Maidan grounds.
Massive elevated decks above railway platforms are being built as part of the project, which was started in February 2024 and is expected to cost ₹947 crore. This would not only improve railway infrastructure but also relieve traffic at Mumbai’s infamously packed stations. These raised decks will include restrooms, food vendors, ticket booths, retail establishments like stores, seating areas, and other facilities. By connecting to escalators, skywalks, stairwells, and foot overbridges, they will greatly improve suburban stations and help with crowd control.
On both railways, work is now being done at 17 stations. At the stations on Kandivali, Ghatkopar, and Khar Road, the elevated decks are partially accessible to the public. Among other stations, work is also being done at Neral and Govandi.
Elevated decks were constructed at Andheri, Goregaon, and Borivali stations as a trial before the Station Improvement Project was started. Following the opening of the Andheri Metro 1 station, which connects to the Andheri railway station, the number of commuters increased, prompting the construction of the deck at Andheri in 2019. Additionally, Borivali and Goregaon stations, followed by Ghatkopar and Khar Road, had elevated decks constructed on a trial basis.
As a result of their resounding success, the railways understood they could expand their space—literally—and duplicate the concept throughout their suburban portions.
The majority of Mumbai’s suburban train stations, according to sources, are over 75–80 years old and require major renovation. Even though there have been small upgrades throughout the years, the current project is a far bigger makeover. “Some factors, including passenger volume and congestion, intermodal connectivity needs, safety and accessibility issues, and opportunities for operational improvement to accommodate growing demands, were taken into consideration when the CR and WR selected the stations,” an MRVC spokesman stated.
Commuters will be able to access the platforms from any point of entry or departure thanks to these raised areas. As FOBs are the quickest route to the platforms, this will lessen the strain on them. They will increase crowd control and operational effectiveness while also improving commuters’ overall experience on the property.
According to sources, Knight Frank India carried out a feasibility assessment for the Station Improvement Project at 17 stations in 2022 on behalf of MRVC. Contracts for four stations, which are a part of MUTP-3A, were given out in October 2022, while contracts for the remaining thirteen stations were given out in February 2024.
In the meantime, MRVC plans to add more escalators and lifts to several stations along the suburban portions of both railroads. 15 lifts and 16 escalators had been put into service by MRVC at several suburban stations in Mumbai as of 2023. According to MRVC sources, they have already installed four new lifts and nine escalators in 2024 alone, and they intend to build 119 additional lifts and 183 escalators by 2027.
Source: Hindustan Times
