Mumbai’s busiest railway stations, Western Railway (WR) has unveiled a new temporary steel platform at Malad. The move is part of the broader efforts to address the surge in passenger volumes, particularly during peak hours, and to improve commuter convenience.
This platform is designed to facilitate smoother boarding and alighting from Virar-bound slow trains, easing pressure on the existing facilities. Built at a cost of ₹2.5 crore, the new temporary structure stretches 227 metres in length and offers a width between 4 and 6 metres, with a height of 900 mm. The platform, which became operational just days ago, is strategically positioned on the west side of the Virar-bound slow track. It is part of a broader infrastructure overhaul at Malad station that includes the renumbering of platforms and the addition of a new railway line. The construction of this platform comes at a time when the station is witnessing heavy passenger traffic, exacerbated by simultaneous arrivals of multiple trains. Previously, Malad station was undergoing a significant transformation, with the establishment of a new sixth railway line. This line, now operational, caters exclusively to Virar-bound slow trains, creating the need for additional space to manage boarding and alighting efficiently. The station’s former home platform, which handled these trains, has since been repurposed as an island platform, renumbered to platforms 1 and 2 to accommodate trains heading towards Virar and Churchgate. Despite these upgrades, the station continues to grapple with crowding, especially during rush hours.
To mitigate the chaos caused by this crowding, the temporary steel platform allows passengers to board and alight from both sides, reducing congestion on the main platforms. However, commuters have expressed concerns that while this move offers some relief, it does not fully address the root causes of overcrowding. A commuter at Malad noted, “The extra platform helps, but the real issue is the rush during peak hours. More measures are needed to streamline crowd movement.” The temporary platform is expected to remain in place until construction begins for the elevated Harbour Line corridor at Malad station, which is part of a larger plan to enhance Mumbai’s suburban railway infrastructure. While the new facility has been welcomed by many, its role is seen as a short-term solution, with long-term improvements still in the pipeline. The ongoing work at Malad station highlights the significant challenge faced by the city’s public transport system. Despite continued efforts by Western Railway to modernise and expand capacity, the surge in commuter numbers continues to strain the infrastructure, especially at key hubs like Malad. While this temporary platform offers some immediate relief, the larger issue of congestion and overcrowding at stations remains a pressing concern.
As Mumbai’s population grows and the demand for public transport continues to rise, railway authorities must find innovative solutions to alleviate the strain on the city’s crowded stations. The construction of additional platforms, improved crowd management strategies, and the integration of more trains into the system will be crucial in ensuring that the suburban rail network can keep up with the needs of its ever-growing commuter base.
Ultimately, while the new platform at Malad offers a temporary solution, the city’s public transport infrastructure will need further significant investments and upgrades to meet the long-term demands of its rapidly expanding population.