The Western Railways has marked a significant milestone with the completion of the elevated walkway at Andheri station, a major transport hub handling over seven lakh passengers daily. This newly inaugurated infrastructure connects the Virar-end of the station to the Churchgate-end, creating a comprehensive circular path that significantly improves passenger flow and station accessibility.
The newly completed elevated deck at Andheri station now spans platforms four and five at the Virar-end, complementing the existing deck over platforms one, two, and three. This latest addition allows passengers to traverse seamlessly between the west side of the station and the east, effectively completing a circular route. The enhanced walkway not only facilitates smoother transit for those using the Harbour Line but also supports passengers connecting to and from the Metro Blue Line 1 station.
According to Western Railway officials, the integration of this elevated deck has substantially increased the available circulating area for passengers. “The new deck has nearly doubled the upper deck’s capacity, significantly alleviating congestion on the island platforms and enhancing overall passenger movement,” said a Western Railway spokesperson. This improvement is expected to ease crowding, particularly as the station continues to experience high foot traffic. Western Railways has undertaken a station decongestion programme. This includes adjustments to the station’s infrastructure to accommodate future growth. Current facilities are designed for six-coach trains, but existing trains are only four-coach, leading to considerable crowding during peak hours.
Further enhancements include a redesigned station entry and drop-off/pick-up points located on Versova Marg Road. This modification aims to alleviate congestion at the current entrance and will integrate with new skywalks on Swami Nityanand Marg. The Western Railways’ proactive measures are in alignment with the anticipated growth of Mumbai’s Metro network, ensuring that Andheri station remains equipped to handle increasing passenger volumes effectively.
