Excavation work at the Bandra Kurla Complex station, the only underground stop on the 508-km Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail Corridor, has reached its final stages, officials from the National High-Speed Rail Corporation Limited (NHSRCL) confirmed. With 84 per cent of the digging complete, the station is being prepared to serve Mumbai commuters with world-class infrastructure and seamless connectivity to the city’s metro and road networks.
According to NHSRCL officials, excavation has reached a depth of 32.5 metres, equivalent to a ten-storey building, reflecting the scale of engineering required for this underground hub. The platform itself will be situated 26 metres below ground and will span three functional floors, including the platform, concourse, and service levels. The station will feature six platforms, each approximately 415 metres long, designed to accommodate the projected high passenger volumes efficiently. “The station’s design draws inspiration from the Arabian Sea, with elements evoking clouds and crashing waves,” said NHSRCL officials. They added that the entry and exit points are strategically positioned to connect with the nearby Metro Line 2B and adjacent road corridors, ensuring smooth movement for passengers. Skylights have been incorporated to allow natural lighting into the concourse, underscoring a sustainable and eco-friendly approach.
While excavation nears completion, the focus will now shift to constructing the station’s core infrastructure and passenger amenities. Officials emphasised that ample space has been planned at both platform and concourse levels to accommodate passengers comfortably and reduce congestion during peak travel hours. The project is part of a broader initiative to modernise rail infrastructure, reduce travel time, and provide Mumbai with a high-speed, zero-carbon transit option aligned with sustainable urban mobility goals. Experts note that underground stations like Bandra Kurla, when integrated efficiently with existing transport networks, can significantly improve citywide connectivity while minimising surface-level disruption and emissions.
Despite progress, the railway ministry has not yet confirmed a revised timeline for the completion and operationalisation of the station or the broader corridor, following earlier missed deadlines. Officials indicated that the construction of the underground station remains complex and will require meticulous planning to ensure structural safety, commuter convenience, and adherence to international high-speed rail standards. NHSRCL officials maintained that construction continues as scheduled, with periodic monitoring to ensure quality and adherence to environmental norms. Once operational, the Bandra Kurla Complex station is expected to transform mobility patterns in Mumbai, offering a sustainable, high-speed alternative to conventional rail travel.
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