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To improve last-mile access to Lokmanya Tilak Terminus (LTT), the Central Railways is reclaiming a 300 - 500 metre stretch between Vidyavihar station and LTT by clearing slums and illegal structures near Tilak Nagar. The move aims to provide seamless pedestrian access to LTT from the Central Line, reducing dependence on congested Kurla and Tilak Nagar stations. Surveys are complete, with coordination underway with BMC and police for demolition and rehabilitation. Passenger groups have welcomed the initiative, citing long-standing demands for better connectivity. Once completed, the link is expected to ease foot traffic and support smoother suburban-to-long-distance transfers in east Mumbai.
The Central Railway (CR) has announced plans to reclaim a 300 - 500 metre stretch between Lokmanya Tilak Terminus (LTT) and Vidyavihar railway station, enhancing direct access to LTT on Mumbai's suburban Main Line. Advertisement
The proposed reclamation will involve clearing slums, informal commercial units, and illegal structures that have come up along the railway land, particularly near Tilak Nagar on the Harbour Line. Once cleared, the corridor will serve as a more seamless pedestrian route connecting Kurla, Vidyavihar, and LTT, which currently requires circuitous transfers and walking detours.
At present, passengers heading to LTT especially those alighting at Tilak Nagar or Kurla station must switch train lines or exit and walk through local roads to reach the terminus. This is particularly cumbersome for those catching long-distance trains or travelling with luggage, often leading to overcrowded footpaths, confusion, and delays.
While Vidyavihar is geographically closer to LTT, there is no direct pedestrian access due to the encroachments. Clearing the stretch will enable passenger access via suburban services on the Central line, significantly easing bottlenecks at Kurla and Tilak Nagar.
CR officials have completed a land survey, identifying the number of encroachments. However, demolition and rehabilitation plans are still under discussion with civic authorities, including the BMC and police, who will be key stakeholders in the process.
The affected stretch lies between CSMT-Panvel Harbour Line and Kurla-Vidyavihar Main Line, an area that has seen rapid commercialisation and informal housing growth over the past decade.
Officials hope to replicate successful clearance and connectivity models implemented at Thane and Dadar stations, where direct interchange routes have reduced congestion.
Passenger associations like the Rail Yatri Parishad have long demanded this improved access. Subhash Gupta, president of the association, said that similar integration projects across Bandra and Andheri have improved commuter flow and must be emulated at LTT.
In 2023 alone, the CR suburban network handled 8.5 million daily commuters, and improved interchanges are considered vital to keeping pace with future demand as Mumbai adds more metro lines and bullet train connections.
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