Western Railway has finalised plans for two additional platforms at Borivali station as part of the fifth and sixth line project, a move aimed at increasing suburban train capacity between Borivali and Virar and creating scope for an additional 30-40 local services.
The expansion is intended to ease pressure on the existing four-line corridor, where suburban and long-distance trains currently share tracks.
Two New Platforms Planned
The first, Platform 3A, will be constructed at the northern end of existing Platform 3 under the Borivali-Virar fifth and sixth line project, being implemented by the Mumbai Rail Vikas Corporation (MRVC). Measuring around 330 metres long and seven metres wide, it will cater to local trains originating or terminating at Borivali and travelling towards Virar.
The second, Platform 1A, will be developed on the southern side of Platform 1 as part of the Goregaon-Borivali Harbour line extension. It will have similar dimensions. Existing stabling facilities at the location will have to be relocated before construction begins.
Platform Extension and New Station Building
Railway authorities also plan to extend Platform 10 by 85 metres towards the north and 110 metres towards the south. The northern yard will be connected to the new fifth and sixth lines.
A ground-plus-four-storey station building is also proposed between Platform 3A and the existing station infrastructure.
The capacity enhancement will extend beyond Borivali, with Western Railway planning one additional platform each at Andheri and Virar.
The fifth and sixth lines are expected to separate suburban services from Mail and Express trains, reducing conflicts and potentially improving punctuality on the busy corridor.
For commuters travelling from the northern suburbs, additional services could also provide more direct travel options towards Virar, potentially reducing the need for some passengers from areas such as Santacruz and Andheri to travel towards Churchgate before boarding northbound trains.
“The new platforms will provide better facilities to passengers between Borivali and Virar and create scope for additional local services. The platforms are being planned under the fifth and sixth line project keeping passenger convenience in mind,” said Vineet Abhishek, CPRO, Western Railway.
The planned additions are expected to strengthen suburban rail capacity as passenger demand continues to grow across Mumbai’s western corridor.
Source: The Free Press Journal
