Mumbai Central Terminus, a century-old railway station, is set to undergo a transformative redevelopment worth an estimated INR 1,500 crore. The Rail Land Development Authority (RLDA) has devised a comprehensive plan to remodel the 32.5-acre premises, catering to the projected rise in footfall, enhancing passenger amenities, and integrating with other public transport modes. The redevelopment will also include the construction of skyscrapers for commercial and office spaces. The RLDA had earlier upgraded CSMT at a cost of INR 2,450 crore. Spearheaded by the Railway Ministry, the project aims to modernize Mumbai's infrastructure and contribute to the city's growth.
Mumbai Central Terminus, which is just six years short of completing a century, is set to undergo a grand transformation worth an estimated INR 1,500 crore. The Rail Land Development Authority (RLDA) has prepared a plan to remodel the 32.5-acre station premises to cater to the projected increase in footfall, provide various passenger amenities, improve connectivity with other public transport modes, and construct skyscrapers housing commercial establishments and offices.
The current suburban railway offices, rest houses, meeting halls, and other facilities located in the six-storey building will be shifted to Grant Road and Mahalaxmi. Mumbai Central is the second station within the Mumbai metropolitan region, after the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT), a UNESCO world heritage site, to undergo a major redevelopment by RLDA. The RLDA upgraded CSMT at a cost of INR 2,450 crore.
Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, during his visit to Mumbai Central Terminus in July, asked for the redevelopment cost to be reduced to INR 500 crore. The railway officials are currently reworking the plan details to lower the overall expenses.
The upgrade will transform the station premises into a vibrant hub capable of handling over 650,000 daily passengers by 2065. It will include separate entry/exit plazas for passengers and parcels, two concourses (upper and lower), connectivity with metro and taxi services, a shopping mall, and refreshment zones.
The existing six-storey building housing various railway offices and amenities will be demolished to make way for a high-rise building that will accommodate offices and commercial establishments. The divisional railway manager's office of Western Railway will be relocated to the 19th-century parcel depot at Grant Road, while the remaining offices and assets will be shifted to Mahalaxmi, near the railway yard.
The ambitious redevelopment of Mumbai Central Terminus marks a significant milestone in the city's journey towards a more integrated and efficient transportation network. By reimagining this century-old landmark, the RLDA and the Indian Railways are paving the way for a more seamless and enriched commuting experience for the millions of passengers who rely on this vital hub. As Mumbai continues to evolve, the transformation of Mumbai Central will undoubtedly serve as a testament to the city's unwavering spirit of progress and its commitment to providing world-class infrastructure for its residents and visitors alike.
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