In a significant move aimed at addressing overcrowding at Borivali station, one of the busiest railway hubs on the Western Railway network, authorities have unveiled plans to redevelop Borivali and simultaneously upgrade Kandivali station through an integrated master plan. The initiative is designed to accommodate future passenger growth, improve train operations and enhance commuter convenience.
The redevelopment proposal, reviewed by Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, includes the addition of a new platform at Borivali along with extensive infrastructure upgrades. The project seeks to improve operational efficiency while ensuring that train services remain uninterrupted during construction.
Borivali station currently handles nearly 191 long-distance train services and around 1,200 suburban train movements every day, serving approximately 3.65 lakh passengers daily. With commuter volumes expected to rise further, railway authorities are looking to expand capacity and improve passenger movement across the station.
Under the proposed plan, Borivali will receive wider concourses, enhanced passenger circulation areas, upgraded foot overbridges, additional lifts and escalators, improved skywalk connectivity, and more efficient entry and exit systems. Parking facilities will also be expanded to support smoother traffic flow and improve overall safety.
To further reduce pressure on Borivali, Western Railway has decided to develop Kandivali station, located about two kilometres away, as a complementary transport hub. Officials said sufficient railway land is available at Kandivali, making it suitable for handling future passenger demand and supporting additional train operations.
The Kandivali master plan includes multi-level parking facilities, dedicated pick-up and drop-off zones, improved road connectivity and transit-oriented development aimed at optimising railway land use. The goal is to create a seamless multimodal transport network capable of supporting long-term urban growth.
During the review, Vaishnaw emphasised that all redevelopment activities should be executed with minimal inconvenience to commuters and without affecting regular train services.
The redevelopment proposal also aligns with demands for improved suburban connectivity in Mumbai’s western suburbs, including new rail links that could help reduce travel time and ease congestion for passengers travelling towards Navi Mumbai and Kalyan.
Source: The Times of India
