Thane is set to see improved commuter safety and mobility as the Mumbai Railway Vikas Corporation (MRVC) advances the construction of a new foot overbridge (FOB) at Kalwa railway station. Scheduled for completion by January 2026, the 202.75-metre-long, six-metre-wide FOB on the station’s western side aims to streamline passenger movement and curb illegal boarding near the Kalwa car shed. The project, valued at approximately ₹10 crore, forms part of a broader strategy to enhance suburban rail infrastructure and commuter experience.
According to officials, the FOB will connect directly with the western autorickshaw stand, providing seamless access to the station while discouraging unauthorised access points that have historically posed safety hazards. Illegal boarding has been a recurring concern at Kalwa, particularly for commuters attempting to catch fast locals heading towards Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) without halting at Kalwa. These practices have led to overcrowding at Thane station and increased risk incidents on the tracks. Walls are being erected alongside the FOB to block unauthorised entry points, ensuring commuters use designated routes and improving overall station security. “This intervention not only addresses commuter safety but also optimises passenger circulation at a key suburban hub,” an official stated.
Industry experts note that suburban rail networks in Mumbai are under mounting pressure due to rapid urbanisation and population growth. Infrastructure upgrades like the Kalwa FOB are critical to supporting safe, equitable, and sustainable mobility. “Strategic interventions such as these demonstrate how rail authorities are integrating urban planning principles with commuter safety, improving operational efficiency while reducing congestion,” said an urban transport planner. The project also aligns with broader sustainability and inclusive-city objectives. By directing foot traffic through structured pathways and restricting informal access, the railway authorities aim to reduce chaotic crowding, improve safety for all commuters, and minimise service disruptions. Such measures are increasingly important in dense metropolitan corridors where large daily ridership demands infrastructure that is both efficient and safe.
Once operational, the Kalwa FOB is expected to significantly alleviate peak-hour crowding, streamline access to suburban trains, and provide a more orderly commuting experience for residents of Thane and surrounding areas. The intervention reflects Mumbai’s ongoing efforts to modernise suburban railway stations while embedding safety, accessibility, and operational efficiency into the design of public transport infrastructure.
Kalwa Railway Station To Open New 202m FOB By January 2026
