Mumbai’s Western Railway (WR) is rolling out a significant expansion of its parking infrastructure, adding 15 new sites across two financial years to address the mounting commuter demand and strengthen non-fare revenue streams. Officials say this strategic expansion will enhance accessibility at key suburban nodes while integrating sustainable mobility solutions.
The Mumbai Central Division has earmarked over 12,000 square metres for the new facilities, which are being developed in phases during the 2024–2025 and 2025–2026 financial years. A majority of the sites are already operational, with the remaining scheduled to open within months. Railway officials note that the move is part of a broader focus on last-mile connectivity, particularly in distant suburban areas where parking shortages have long been a commuter concern. Currently, WR operates 22 parking facilities across the division, covering nearly 25,837 square metres. These generate approximately ₹7.52 crore in annual non-fare revenue, highlighting the critical role of parking operations in supplementing passenger service income. Bandra Terminus remains a standout contributor, with a dedicated parking and vehicle stacking facility earning ₹1.52 crore annually.
In a bid to align transport services with sustainable practices, WR has also integrated electric vehicle (EV) charging into its parking network. Eight two-wheeler parking-cum-EV charging stations are now in operation, including three at Dadar and one each at Prabhadevi, Mumbai Central, Bandra, Vile Parle, and Andheri. These eco-friendly facilities, covering 2,876 square metres, add another ₹72.88 lakh to annual revenues while supporting the city’s shift towards low-emission mobility. The current financial year has already seen two of the six planned new parking sites open for public use, with the remaining four nearing readiness. Last year, nine new parking facilities were commissioned between Churchgate and Virar, marking a notable step towards expanding WR’s reach and service footprint in suburban Mumbai.
Transport experts believe the initiative addresses multiple urban challenges—reducing unauthorised street parking, improving station access, encouraging EV adoption, and generating consistent revenue for railway maintenance and upgrades. The model is also seen as replicable in other urban railway divisions nationwide. According to senior WR officials, the expansion is part of a comprehensive passenger amenity enhancement plan that prioritises both commuter convenience and environmental responsibility. The strategy reflects a shift in urban transport policy, where infrastructure upgrades are expected to be commercially viable while reducing the carbon footprint of daily travel.
As Mumbai’s population and vehicle ownership continue to rise, the success of WR’s expanded parking network may well set a precedent for integrating mobility solutions with revenue generation and sustainability in India’s busiest metropolitan rail systems.
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