Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT), one of India’s most historic railway landmarks, is poised to undergo a transformative redevelopment that will elevate it to the status of the nation’s most modern and sustainable railway station.
Under a ₹2,800 crore investment, Maharashtra is repositioning CSMT as a next-generation mobility hub, integrating smart technology with inclusive, climate-conscious design.Announced during a railway function in Mumbai’s Parel locality, the project aligns with the Indian Railways’ Amrit Bharat Station Scheme, a national initiative to modernise over 1,300 railway stations. With CSMT at its core, the programme signals a broader shift towards people-centric, eco-friendly transit infrastructure that supports India’s long-term urban sustainability goals.
According to state leadership, the reimagined CSMT will mirror the experience of international airports—offering travellers digitally integrated services, barrier-free access, and upgraded concourse spaces that ensure smoother passenger flow. The station’s design is being developed to accommodate high volumes with energy-efficient lighting, solar panels, natural ventilation, and dedicated spaces for differently-abled commuters.
As one of 12 stations in Maharashtra being redeveloped under the scheme, including five in the Mumbai division alone, CSMT is set to become a blueprint for future-ready transit architecture in the country. This marks a defining moment in India’s infrastructure story, where heritage structures are being retrofitted not just for preservation but for progress—with sustainability, accessibility, and urban equity at the core.
At the national level, the momentum for change was reinforced by the Prime Minister’s virtual inauguration of 103 redeveloped stations spanning 18 states and union territories. From Tamil Nadu to Uttar Pradesh, and Gujarat to Madhya Pradesh, the redevelopments aim to enhance connectivity while reducing environmental impact, incorporating smart utilities, green landscapes, and commuter-centric amenities.
At the Mumbai event, senior railway authorities noted that the vision behind the CSMT upgrade is not merely to beautify but to radically enhance operational efficiency and commuter satisfaction. The goal is to transform railway stations into multi-modal urban hubs that integrate last-mile connectivity, stimulate local economies, and offer a safe and inclusive environment for all users—regardless of age, gender, or ability.
The redevelopment of CSMT also represents a bold leap towards aligning India’s transport systems with global climate commitments. Features such as green building certification, water recycling, and waste management facilities are expected to significantly reduce the environmental impact of daily operations.Meanwhile, the Prime Minister also flagged off the Bikaner–Mumbai Express and inaugurated Rajasthan’s Deshnoke Station under the same scheme, reinforcing the scale and ambition of the transformation underway in Indian Railways.
As CSMT takes the lead in this national overhaul, Mumbai stands at the forefront of India’s transition to smarter, cleaner, and more inclusive public infrastructure. The station’s transformation may well redefine how future urban spaces are imagined—where heritage meets innovation, and sustainability shapes the commuter experience.
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