Mumbai Local Railway Stations To Decongest Soon: Here’s What’s Changing At 36 Stations

For Mumbai's suburban railway stations, the journey into the future has begun. In an exclusive report shared by Hindustan Times (HT), major transformations are currently happening at 36 railway stations under the Union Railway Ministry's Amrit Bharat Mission.

This major upgrade aims to improve the daily travel experience of millions of Mumbai's suburban commuters, many of whom have long dealt with crowded platforms and outdated infrastructure. According to railway officials, the new look will bring better facilities, more space, and an overall smoother commute.

On April 11, Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw reviewed the progress of the project. He said the redevelopment will help reduce overcrowding and improve travel comfort. The Amrit Bharat Mission includes railway station upgrades across India, with 132 stations in Maharashtra alone.

As per Central Railway (CR) sources, work at most stations is between 5 per cent and 40 per cent complete, with some close to being finished. Stations like Parel, Matunga, Shahad, Wadala Road, and Chinchpokli are expected to be ready soon. These stations will have parking areas, better lighting, easier access for people with disabilities, and more.

Other improvements include clear signboards, CCTV cameras, controlled entry, waiting areas, and smooth movement for passengers. The stations will also be eco-friendly, using solar energy, rainwater harvesting, and water-saving features.

One of the biggest projects under this mission is the redevelopment of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) in Mumbai. The station is set to be upgraded at a cost of Rs 1,810 crore, but progress is slow, with only 10 per cent of the work complete so far.

On the Western Railway side, work is also moving slowly. Stations such as Prabhadevi and Lower Parel are just 5 per cent complete, while work at Marine Lines, Charni Road, Jogeshwari, and Malad is around 25 per cent to 40 per cent complete.

"We have asked the contractors to speed up the work, and we are closely watching the progress. More stations will be taken up soon," said a senior Western Railway official.

As the project moves forward, commuters can look forward to better, cleaner, and safer stations in the near future.