Mumbai’s harbour line, which links the city with Navi Mumbai along the eastern seaboard, may see a major shift in its operations as a new proposal suggests terminating services at Sandhurst Road station rather than the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT). This potential change is aimed at alleviating congestion and optimising track usage, but has stirred considerable debate among railway officials and commuters.
The proposal, which was presented to the Union Railway Minister during a recent visit to Mumbai, seeks to reroute suburban services terminating at CSMT to the elevated Sandhurst Road station. The intention behind this plan is to free up two critical tracks between Sandhurst Road and CSMT for long-distance trains, thereby enhancing the capacity and efficiency of the railway network. Under the current proposal, passengers traveling on the harbour line would need to transfer at Sandhurst Road to continue their journey to CSMT or Masjid stations. This would involve either descending to the main line station for a different service or opting for alternative road transport. To mitigate the impact on commuters, the railways are considering constructing a holding area at Sandhurst Road or a 300-metre foot overbridge linking Sandhurst Road with Masjid station.
While this plan aims to address track congestion and improve the overall efficiency of the railway system, it has faced criticism. Concerns have been raised about Sandhurst Road’s capacity to handle the increased footfall. The current infrastructure at Sandhurst Road is not deemed sufficient for the anticipated passenger volume, and critics argue that creating a holding area might not effectively address the issue. There is also apprehension about the practicality of the proposal, given the heavy commercial and residential development along the eastern side of the harbour line. Additionally, the proposal does not account for the significant role CSMT plays as a major terminus, with over 100 long-distance trains operating daily. Diminishing direct access to CSMT could disrupt travel for a substantial number of passengers.
Senior railway officials have acknowledged the plan as an innovative approach but noted that it is still under consideration and has not yet been approved. They emphasised the need for further evaluation and potentially revising the plan to ensure it meets operational requirements and addresses commuter needs effectively. The Indian Railways continues to explore various strategies to decongest its network, including adding new lines between Kurla and CSMT. The outcome of this proposal will be closely watched, as it could set a precedent for future railway operations and infrastructure enhancements in Mumbai.
