June 26, 2025: Khar Road Railway Station in Mumbai has become the first to be redeveloped under the Rs 950 crore Mumbai Urban Transport Project 3A (MUTP-3A), setting the benchmark for the modernisation of 17 major suburban stations across the city. Executed by the Mumbai Railway Vikas Corporation (MRVC) at a cost of Rs 85 crore, the project aims to enhance commuter comfort, accessibility, and sustainability.
The upgraded station now accommodates over 1.6 lakh daily passengers with modern amenities and improved safety features. A key highlight is the new 270-metre-long, 10-metre-wide home platform, designed to ease congestion during peak hours. An elevated deck—the largest in the Western Railway suburban network—has been constructed above the tracks, covering nearly 5,000 square metres, along with a 31-metre skywalk to streamline pedestrian movement.
The station’s design prioritises universal access. It includes five escalators, three lifts, and a gently graded ramp with handrails, providing step-free access from MCGM Road to the platform. Tactile tiles and guiding paths have also been installed for visually and mobility-impaired passengers.
Energy-efficient measures such as High Volume Low Speed (HVLS) fans and LED lighting have been incorporated to enhance comfort while reducing power consumption. Two new booking offices and upgraded toilet facilities have been added, along with a new station manager’s office.
Khar Road’s transformation marks the beginning of MRVC’s larger vision to upgrade 17 stations—seven on the Western Railway and ten on the Central Railway. Stations like Santacruz, Mira Road, Dombivli, and Ghatkopar are next in line.
Urban planners have hailed the initiative as a crucial step towards a commuter-first, climate-conscious public transport system. The Khar Road upgrade is now being seen as a model for future rail infrastructure in Indian cities.
Source: Urban Acres
