The ongoing redevelopment of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) could lead to further disruptions in long-distance train operations, with the Rail Land Development Authority (RLDA) seeking temporary closure of Platforms 14 and 15 for construction while Central Railway (CR) wants Platforms 16 and 17 to become fully operational first.
CR officials have warned that shutting Platforms 14 and 15 could significantly affect train operations, as the two platforms currently handle around 16 to 18 long-distance services every day.
Platforms 16 and 17 have already remained unavailable during the redevelopment work. Since February 1, CR has had to short-terminate around 10 to 14 long-distance trains at stations such as Dadar and Thane, affecting services arriving from destinations including Howrah, Madgaon and Bengaluru.
A CR official said, “It has now been extended until September 5, taking the duration of the block to 218 days. We have received a request for blocking two more platforms, that is, 14 and 15.”
According to CR, four long-distance trains will continue to be short-terminated until September 5. The Howrah-CSMT Express, Amravati-CSMT Express and Madgaon-CSMT Tejas Express will terminate at Dadar, while the Mangaluru-CSMT Express will terminate at Thane.
RLDA, however, disputed the railway’s assessment. “We handed back Platform 16 more than a fortnight ago. At present, the Mumbai Division of the railway is carrying out some track improvement work,” an RLDA official said.
CR officials said Platform 16 had been handed back but passenger amenities were yet to become operational, while Platform 17 continued to have RLDA staff and construction equipment. They added that the track improvement referred to by RLDA involved track and ballast cleaning.
As part of the redevelopment, RLDA has constructed pillars on Platforms 16 and 17 for an elevated deck connecting a proposed new building with the suburban platforms. The project also includes a commercial building and hotel.
“Only the ground floor of the new building has been constructed and work is pending on the P D’Mello side of the station,” the RLDA official said.
An RLDA official added, “We have finished 28% of the physical work. Work is progressing well despite delays.”
The Rs 2,450-crore CSMT redevelopment project was approved by the Union Cabinet in September 2022. It aims to transform the UNESCO World Heritage terminus into an integrated transport hub with a roof plaza, retail areas, food courts, commercial facilities and improved multimodal connectivity, while preserving the heritage character of the main station building.
Originally scheduled for completion in March 2026, the project’s deadline has been extended to October 2028. Construction timelines were also affected earlier this year by difficulties in procuring gypsum amid disruptions linked to the West Asia conflict.
With additional platforms potentially being closed, commuters could face further operational changes until the redevelopment work progresses and alternate railway infrastructure becomes fully functional.
Source: Hindustan Times
