The proposed construction of a major long-distance railway terminus in Mumbai’s western suburbs has hit a roadblock as the project awaits approval from the Ministry of Defence. The ambitious plan, aimed at expanding the city’s outstation rail capacity, depends on access to defence-owned land between Kandivali and Malad.
Western Railway has proposed developing a modern multi-platform terminal along with a coaching depot to ease pressure on Mumbai’s existing long-distance railway stations. However, the project cannot move forward until the required land is made available, highlighting the challenge of balancing infrastructure development with defence requirements in a city where vacant land is scarce.
Mumbai’s major railway terminals, including Mumbai Central, Bandra Terminus and Dadar, are operating close to their maximum capacity, limiting the introduction of additional Mail, Express and Vande Bharat services. At the same time, the city’s population has increasingly shifted towards the northern and western suburbs, forcing many passengers to travel long distances to southern railway hubs before beginning their outstation journeys.
To address this growing imbalance, Western Railway has proposed a large terminal capable of handling around 54 long-distance trains daily. The project is also planned to integrate with Mumbai’s suburban railway network and Metro corridors, offering better connectivity for passengers across the western suburbs.
Officials believe the new terminus would significantly reduce congestion at existing stations while cutting travel time for commuters living in northern Mumbai. Although Jogeshwari Junction is being upgraded to accommodate a limited number of outstation trains, railway authorities consider it an interim solution rather than a long-term answer.
The proposed site between Kandivali and Malad has been identified as one of the few remaining large, contiguous land parcels in Mumbai capable of accommodating extensive railway infrastructure, including platforms, coaching yards and maintenance facilities. Until a decision is taken on the defence land, however, the future of the project remains uncertain.
Source: Outlook
