Western Railway is constructing a new platform at Dadar station, adjacent to the existing Platform No. 7, aiming to improve operational flexibility for long-distance trains in one of Mumbai’s busiest transit hubs. The move reflects efforts to enhance commuter convenience and streamline train management at a station critical to the city’s urban mobility network.
Dadar serves as a pivotal interchange between the Western and Central Railway networks, handling a combined daily footfall exceeding six lakh passengers. Platforms 1 to 7 currently accommodate Western Railway services, while platforms 8 to 14 serve Central Railway trains. Overlapping numbering in the past had caused confusion for long-distance travellers, prompting a unified platform numbering system in December 2023. The newly constructed platform will likely be numbered ‘7A’, avoiding renumbering Central Railway platforms and reducing the need for adjustments to signage and announcement systems. An official noted that using ‘8’ for the new platform would disrupt the existing sequence and create operational challenges. “Instead of altering the current platform numbering, the new platform is proposed as 7A,” the official explained, while clarifying that final approval is pending.
This adjustment follows prior renumbering initiatives, such as Central Railway’s November 2024 change where Platform 10 was renamed 9A and 10A became 10, ensuring logical sequencing without passenger inconvenience. These measures indicate a broader strategy to improve navigability and commuter experience in high-density railway stations. Operationally, the new platform addresses growing long-distance traffic. Currently, only two terminal lines are available for platform-return long-distance trains. With the completion of the sixth line in the Western Railway section, congestion and scheduling conflicts were expected to increase. “Creating an additional platform adjacent to Platform 7 is essential to handle future traffic and maintain punctuality,” a senior railway official said.
The expansion is also aligned with sustainable urban transport objectives. By optimising station capacity and reducing bottlenecks, passenger dwell times and train idling can be minimised, contributing to lower emissions from locomotives. Industry experts highlight that improving operational efficiency at critical junctions like Dadar complements Mumbai’s broader net zero and commuter-friendly urban mobility goals. Once completed, the new platform will facilitate smoother boarding for long-distance trains, reduce operational pressure on existing tracks, and enhance overall station management. Authorities emphasise that continued monitoring and responsive infrastructure planning are key to ensuring that Mumbai’s rail network remains resilient, equitable, and capable of supporting the city’s ever-growing transit demand.
Western Railway To Add New Platform At Dadar To Improve Operations
