Good News, Mumbaikars! CSMT’s Platform Extension Project Accelerated: New Deadline Announced

Passengers travelling from Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) can look forward to enhanced convenience as the Central Railway (CR) authorities accelerate the extension of two key platforms, according to Hindustan Times.

The work on Platforms 12 and 13 is now expected to be completed well ahead of the original schedule. The new completion deadline has been moved up from December to September, and it is possible that the work could wrap up by the end of August.

Progress And Current Status

Last week, R K Yadav, General Manager of Central Railway, visited the extension site where the work is progressing smoothly. Currently, 40 per cent of the project is complete. A senior CR official confirmed, "We are expediting work on the two platforms. The project will be finished by August, or at the latest by September."

The extension involves enlarging Platforms 12 and 13 to accommodate longer 24-coach trains, up from the current 18-coach capacity. This upgrade will boost the carrying capacity by 20 per cent. The platforms are being extended to lengths between 305 and 382 metres, along with additional yard remodelling and construction of new amenities.

Reasons For Accelerated Completion

"The extent of work on these two platforms is not as extensive as the previous extensions on Platforms 10 and 11," explained another CR official. "Therefore, we have been able to revise the deadline." Initially set for December, the deadline was advanced to November 2024.

Previous Work And Future Considerations

The recent extension work on Platforms 10 and 11 was completed on time, and these platforms are now functioning efficiently. The upgraded facilities are meeting the needs of a higher number of passengers, which was the primary goal.

During a 36-hour mega block on June 1-2, CR authorities carried out significant upgrades, including the extension of platforms, the transition from route relay interlocking to electronic interlocking, and the replacement of overhead equipment and signalling systems. This extensive work also involved shifting track points and other essential upgrades.

Nandkumar Deshmukh, President of the Federation of Suburban Rail Passengers Association, highlighted concerns regarding the inconvenience caused by train cancellations and short terminations during the previous block. He urged the railways to ensure similar issues do not arise in the next block.

Importance Of CSMT

CSMT, one of India's busiest and oldest railway stations, handles a substantial volume of passengers daily. Out of the 1,810 local services operated by CR on its Main (Central) and Harbour lines, CSMT serves over 1,200. Additionally, around 100 long-distance trains arrive and depart from the terminus each day.

The decision to upgrade CSMT's facilities is a response to the increasing demand during the peak summer season when overcrowding becomes a significant challenge for passengers. Currently, CSMT has 18 platforms, seven of which are dedicated to suburban services and the remaining 11 for long-distance trains.