August 12, 2025: Mumbai’s Central Railway is fast-tracking platform extensions at 34 suburban stations to accommodate 15-car local trains, aiming to increase capacity by 25% and tackle chronic overcrowding on the network. Officials have pledged to complete the upgrades by the end of August, or at the latest by the conclusion of the monsoon season.
The initiative follows a tragic accident near Mumbra two months ago, where five passengers lost their lives and eight were injured after falling from overcrowded trains. In response, the Railway Board has prioritised increasing the number of longer trains to ensure safer and more comfortable commuting.
The plan encompasses two stations on the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) to Kalyan fast corridor, eight stations between Thane and Kalyan on the slow line, and 24 stations on the Kalyan-Kasara/Karjat/Khopoli routes. Work includes shifting signal poles, relocating overhead cables, and adjusting track alignments to facilitate platform extensions.
A senior Central Railway official noted that tenders for overhead equipment (OHE) and signalling modifications have been issued for key stations such as Mumbra and Vikhroli. “It is a technically demanding project, but vital to easing the intense rush on Mumbai’s suburban network,” the official added.
Diva station remains one of the most complex sites, where incomplete civic works on a road overbridge approach have delayed extension on one platform. Diva sees halts by nearly three-quarters of the 894 daily suburban services, while its busy level crossing—opened approximately 39 times daily for nearly 900,000 vehicles—continues to cause punctuality issues.
Once complete, the project will enable 15-car trains to operate across the entire Thane-Kalyan-Kasara/Khopoli corridor on both fast and slow lines. Officials expect this to reduce peak-hour congestion, improve safety, and encourage commuters to shift from private vehicles to public transport, supporting Mumbai’s sustainable mobility goals. By pushing forward despite monsoon challenges, Central Railway is demonstrating urgency in upgrading Mumbai’s vital suburban infrastructure, with the August deadline set to mark a significant milestone.
Source: Urban Acres
