The long-pending widening of Dombivli’s platform number 5 remains on hold as Central Railway (CR) gears up to operate 15-car slow local trains along the Thane-Kalyan corridor. Officials indicate that structural constraints, including fencing near the foot-over-bridge (FOB) at the north end, currently restrict safe boarding and alighting, particularly for women commuters. The delay highlights the operational and infrastructural challenges CR faces while modernising suburban rail capacity.
Platform 5 at Dombivli serves Kalyan-bound trains, and the fencing immediately after the FOB has created a bottleneck at the spot where ladies’ compartments typically halt. Commuters report congestion during peak hours, raising safety concerns. A senior CR official noted that the platform widening cannot be immediately undertaken as it requires realignment of tracks and modifications along the train’s course. “The platform will be expanded once comprehensive work across stations is completed to accommodate 15-car trains,” the official added. Completion of platform 5’s extension is currently projected by March next year. CR is simultaneously upgrading other stations along the slow corridor between Thane and Kalyan, including Thane, Kalwa, Mumbra, Diva, Kopar, Dighe, Thakurli, and Kalyan, with measures such as platform lengthening, shifting of signalling poles, and relocation of overhead cables to ensure safety and operational efficiency.
Beyond Kalyan, work continues on 25 stations across the North-East and South-East corridors, including Shahad, Ambivli, Titwala, Khadavli, Vasind, Asangaon, Atgaon, Thansit, Khardi, Umbermali, Kasara, Vithalwadi, Ulhasnagar, Ambernath, Badlapur, Vangani, Shelu, Bhivpuri, Karjat, Palasdari, Kelavali, Dolavali, Lowjee, and Khopoli. These measures are designed to accommodate the longer trains safely while maintaining service regularity. Current fast corridor stations are already partially ready for 15-car trains, including CSMT, Byculla, Dadar, Kurla, Ghatkopar, Bhandup, Mulund, Thane, Dombivli, and Kalyan. The planned upgrades are expected to increase carrying capacity by 25%, easing congestion during peak hours and improving commuter experience.
Experts highlight that these upgrades are part of a broader initiative by CR to modernise suburban rail infrastructure while adhering to safety standards. Ensuring gender-sensitive design, such as safe access to ladies’ compartments and adequate boarding space, is a key consideration in the ongoing projects. For daily commuters, the extensions promise relief from overcrowding, although interim challenges remain. Officials have emphasised phased implementation to balance operational continuity with infrastructure improvements, reflecting a measured approach to enhancing Mumbai’s suburban rail capacity sustainably.
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