Mumbai Harbour Line Services May Terminate at Sandhurst Road to Free Tracks for Long-Distance Trains

Mumbai, 31st July 2024: Residents using the harbour line, which links the eastern waterfront of Mumbai with Navi Mumbai, might find their local services terminating at Sandhurst Road station instead of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT). This change aims to free up additional tracks for long-distance trains.

A proposal for this adjustment was recently presented to Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw during his visit to Mumbai. However, some railway officials argue that this plan is impractical and unfeasible, as Sandhurst Road station cannot manage large numbers of passengers. They suggest exploring alternative solutions.

Under the current proposal, suburban trains on the harbour line would end their routes at the elevated Sandhurst Road station. Passengers wishing to continue to the Masjid or CSMT would need to either switch to the mainline station and board a train from the slow platform or use road transport. The railway authorities are also considering building a holding area at Sandhurst Road station or constructing a 300-meter footbridge to connect Sandhurst Road with the Masjid.

Terminating services at Sandhurst Road would release two tracks between Sandhurst Road and CSMT, which are currently used for harbour line services. These tracks could then be utilized for slow services on the main line, while the existing slow train tracks would be allocated for fast trains. The tracks currently used by fast trains would be reserved for long-distance trains.

While Indian Railways is implementing several measures to reduce congestion on the suburban network, including the addition of two new lines between Kurla and CSMT, this proposal is being considered because it avoids the need for land acquisition on the eastern side between Masjid and Sandhurst Road, an area occupied by various commercial and residential properties.

“This proposal is still in the brainstorming phase and has not yet been approved,” a senior railway official clarified. Changes to Byculla station are also anticipated as part of the plan.

However, some railway officials believe the proposal could cause significant inconvenience to passengers and put excessive pressure on the facilities at Sandhurst Road.

“The current infrastructure at Sandhurst Road is insufficient to handle a high volume of passengers. Even with a proposed holding area, commuters are unlikely to wait comfortably. It may be more practical to acquire adjacent land for amenities, even if it involves relocating residents,” noted a senior railway official.

“CSMT remains a crucial hub and cannot be overlooked, despite other terminus developments. With over 100 long-distance trains operating daily, passengers expect convenient and efficient access to CSMT,” added another official.