Mumbai’s Central Railway is accelerating the extension of platforms at 34 suburban stations to accommodate 15-car local trains, a move expected to boost capacity by 25% and address chronic overcrowding on the network. Officials said the upgrades will be completed by the end of August, or at the latest by the close of the monsoon.
The initiative comes two months after a fatal accident near Mumbra, where five passengers lost their lives and eight others were injured after falling from overcrowded trains. Railway Board directives have since prioritised increasing the number of longer trains to ensure safer and more comfortable commuting. The plan covers two stations on the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT)-Kalyan fast corridor, eight stations between Thane and Kalyan on the slow line, and 24 stations on the Kalyan-Kasara/Karjat/Khopoli routes. The work involves shifting signal poles, relocating overhead cables, and modifying track alignments to create space for platform extensions.
A senior Central Railway official said tenders have already been issued for the overhead equipment (OHE) and signalling adjustments at stations such as Mumbra and Vikhroli. “It is a technically challenging project, but essential to easing the intense rush on Mumbai’s suburban network,” the official explained. One of the most complex locations is Diva, where incomplete civic work on a road over bridge approach road has delayed platform extension on one side. This station sees halts by nearly three-quarters of the 894 daily suburban services, and its busy level crossing gate—opened around 39 times a day to allow nearly nine lakh vehicles to pass—remains a major pinch point in punctuality.
Beyond Thane and Kalyan, the upgrade will also cover 11 stations on the North-East section, including Shahad, Titwala and Kasara, and 14 on the South-East section such as Ambernath, Badlapur and Karjat. Once complete, the project will allow the entire Thane-Kalyan-Kasara/Khopoli corridor to run 15-car trains on both fast and slow lines. Officials believe the capacity increase will not only ease peak-hour congestion but also encourage more commuters to shift from private vehicles to public transport, aligning with the city’s sustainable mobility goals. Longer trains mean fewer passengers per coach, reduced boarding delays, and improved safety for millions of daily riders.
By pushing forward with platform extensions despite monsoon constraints, Central Railway is signalling a rare sense of urgency in upgrading Mumbai’s suburban infrastructure. If timelines are met, the August deadline will mark a significant milestone in the city’s efforts to modernise its lifeline while prioritising commuter safety.
Also Read: Mumbai-Pune Highway Height Barrier Snaps, Raising Safety Concerns For Daily Motorists
