September 27, 2025: Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) in Mumbai will see Platform 18 closed for approximately 80 days from Wednesday, 1 October, as part of the Rs 2,450-crore redevelopment project led by the Rail Land Development Authority (RLDA).
The platform plays a vital role in handling long-distance trains, including Rajdhani, Shatabdi, and Vande Bharat services, while providing passengers convenient access to P D’Mello Road and the Eastern Freeway. As a result of the temporary closure, trains such as the Amravati and Nandigram Express will terminate at Dadar instead of CSMT. Barricades will be erected, and excavation work will commence to facilitate construction of an elevated passenger deck on Platform 18, with the project expected to be completed by December 19 this year.
Central Railway officials stated that the closure is essential to carry out piling and foundation work. “We cannot avoid shutting down Platform 18, as it is the primary access point for moving both workers and materials for this project,” an officer said.
The upcoming elevated deck will include modern amenities such as ticket counters, waiting lounges, food courts, retail outlets, and entertainment zones, aimed at enhancing the overall passenger experience. While suburban train operations are not expected to be affected, long-distance trains usually operating from Platform 18 will be shifted to other platforms. Maintenance schedules for premium trains may face minor delays, but authorities assured passengers that safety will remain uncompromised.
Platforms 11 to 18 manage around 40 to 45 long-distance trains daily, with Platform 18 handling six to eight of these. Thousands of commuters rely on it each day. Earlier this year, Platforms 12 and 13 were upgraded to accommodate 24-coach trains, causing temporary disruptions. Similar changes will now take place at Platform 18 as part of the redevelopment initiative.
Source: News 18
