August 11, 2025: The Rs 2,450 crore redevelopment of Mumbai’s historic Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) has hit a major hurdle, with early engineering challenges slowing critical foundation work. Officials monitoring the project have voiced concerns about the sluggish pace, warning that milestone targets may need to be revised if delays persist.
Designed to transform CSMT into a world-class, commuter-friendly, and sustainable transport hub, the project is facing significant space constraints. Narrow platforms and overhead electrical wires have prevented the use of high-powered piling rigs, forcing contractors to rely on smaller machines. This has stretched the time to complete each pile from the planned four hours to nearly five days.
Progress has been slow, with only 15% of piling work completed against the targeted 50%. Foundation work is ongoing at platforms 10 and 11, while platforms 12 and 13 are finished. Around 30 piles, spaced 15 metres apart, will support the future station building and elevated deck. Limited working hours to avoid disrupting suburban and long-distance train services have further impacted productivity.
Officials familiar with the redevelopment noted that “such constraints should have been factored into the bidding and planning stages.” They pointed out that the site’s physical limitations were well known, and alternative engineering solutions could have been prepared.
Covering over 4.6 lakh square metres, the project includes both new construction and restoration of heritage structures. Once complete, CSMT will provide seamless connectivity across suburban, harbour, and long-distance lines, with modern commercial spaces and public amenities.
Planners stress that the redevelopment aims to decongest one of India’s busiest stations while preserving its UNESCO-listed heritage. By combining commuter convenience, heritage preservation, and green building practices, the upgraded CSMT is envisioned as a model transport hub for the country, provided current engineering hurdles are addressed swiftly.
Source: Urban Acres
