The Central Railway is set to significantly enhance suburban train operations at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) in Mumbai, with plans to double the number of 15-coach local services by March this year. This expansion is driven by the nearing completion of the extension of Platform 6, a key infrastructure upgrade aimed at alleviating congestion on some of the busiest rail corridors in the city.
Boosting Capacity and Reducing Crowding
Currently, CSMT operates approximately 22 daily services of 15-coach locals exclusively from Platform 7. Once Platform 6 becomes operational for longer rakes, railway officials intend to add another set of services, effectively increasing the total to nearly 44 daily. This expansion will introduce 18 to 22 new long-rake services each day, providing commuters with more travel options and reducing overcrowding during peak hours.
Infrastructure Upgrades and Broader Project
The platform extension is part of a comprehensive station expansion project at CSMT designed to accommodate longer suburban trains. To facilitate this, a dilapidated structure near Platform 7 on the Kurla end was demolished, and certain operations were shifted towards Platform 18 to create the necessary alignment space. This strategic move ensures smoother operations and enhanced efficiency for the terminal.
In the initial phase, two new 15-coach rakes are expected to be inducted into service. Given that a suburban rake typically completes 10 to 12 trips daily, the addition of these rakes could push the total daily trips operated by 15-coach locals from CSMT to over 40. This increase is poised to benefit passengers on the heavily utilized CSMT–Kurla and CSMT–Thane sections, which see a substantial share of the terminal's suburban footfall.
Significant Capacity Gains
Railway officials project that the expansion will raise CSMT's suburban carrying capacity by nearly 8 to 10 percent overall. Specifically, peak-hour capacity on the CSMT–Kurla and CSMT–Thane corridors is expected to increase by approximately 10 to 12 percent. The additional trains are anticipated to create capacity for an extra 50,000 to 60,000 passengers daily, marking a substantial improvement in commuter convenience and safety.
Broader Network Enhancements
Beyond CSMT, platform extension work is underway at 34 other stations across the suburban network, with 24 already completed, according to the Railways. This broader initiative underscores a commitment to modernizing infrastructure and enhancing the overall suburban rail experience in the region.
The move is seen as a critical step in addressing the growing demand for efficient public transportation in Mumbai, with officials emphasizing its role in reducing crowding and providing more reliable travel options for daily commuters.
