Mumbai’s busiest rail gateways are gradually being redesigned to reflect how cities work today. At Mumbai Central station, Western Railway has launched a digital lounge and co-working facility aimed at commuters and business travellers who increasingly expect productive, connected spaces while in transit. The initiative signals a shift in how public transport infrastructure is being reimagined not just as a means of movement, but as an extension of the modern workplace.
The facility, spread across 1,712 square feet within the station premises, has been developed by the Mumbai Division’s commercial arm and is operated by a private hospitality partner under a dedicated lounge brand. It offers high-speed internet access, modular workstations, meeting rooms, video conferencing zones and multiple device charging points, alongside upgraded washrooms and light self-service refreshments. Railway officials said the concept responds to changing commuter behaviour, particularly in large metropolitan centres where professionals often experience long waiting periods between connections. “Passengers no longer see waiting time as idle time,” said a senior railway official. “There is a growing expectation that stations should support work, connectivity and comfort, especially for business travellers and remote professionals.” Urban mobility experts view the development as part of a broader recalibration of transport infrastructure in dense cities like Mumbai. With hybrid work now entrenched across sectors, transit hubs are emerging as informal productivity nodes. “Stations are becoming part of the city’s economic fabric, not just its transport network,” noted an urban planner. “When designed thoughtfully, they can reduce unnecessary travel, optimise time use and support lower-carbon work patterns.” From a commercial perspective, the project also aligns with the railways’ push to strengthen non-fare revenue. Officials estimate that the lounge could generate around Rs 3.2 crore over five years, helping diversify income streams beyond ticket sales.
If the model proves successful, similar facilities may be rolled out at other high-footfall stations, particularly those serving business districts and intercity corridors. The move builds on earlier station modernisation efforts that have prioritised passenger experience, digital services and improved amenities. However, the integration of co-working infrastructure marks a more significant departure from traditional station design, reflecting global trends seen in cities such as Tokyo, London and Singapore. Importantly, such interventions also carry implications for inclusive urban development. By embedding work-friendly spaces within public transport nodes, cities can potentially reduce dependence on private offices and long commutes, making professional infrastructure more accessible across income groups. For Mumbai, where space is scarce and mobility is central to daily life, the challenge will be scaling these models without compromising affordability or public access.
As Indian cities grapple with congestion, climate pressures and evolving work cultures, experiments like Mumbai Central’s digital lounge suggest how transit infrastructure can adapt quietly reshaping everyday urban life while keeping people, productivity and sustainability at the centre.
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Mumbai Western Railway Opens Digital Lounge With Co Working Facilities At Central Station
