Passenger Capacity to Rise 25% as Central Railway Upgrades for Longer Trains
Mumbai: Central Railway is fast-tracking work on its plan to introduce 15-coach local train services between Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) and Khopoli. This step comes in response to the tragic incident in Mumbra earlier in June. The railway administration has decided to place special emphasis on increasing passenger capacity.
According to officials, by the end of August, platforms at 26 stations between CSMT and Kalyan — covering both the slow and fast corridors — and at 24 stations on the Kalyan – Kasara/Karjat/Khopoli routes will be extended to accommodate 15-coach trains. During his recent visit to Mumbai, Railway Board Chairman and CEO Satish Kumar instructed officials to ensure safe and comfortable travel for passengers.
Travel to Get Easier for Commuters
On the fast corridor, five stations between CSMT and Kalyan are being upgraded for the longer trains, while on the slow corridor between Thane and Kalyan, eight stations are undergoing similar work. These include high-traffic stations like Thane, Kalwa, Mumbra, Diva, Kopar, Dighe, Thakurli, and Kalyan. Once completed, the upgrades are expected to increase passenger capacity by 25%.
The project involves major works such as overhead equipment (OHE) relocation, signal pole shifting, track realignment, and creating additional space. At Mumbra and Vikhroli, OHE work alone is estimated to cost ₹75–80 lakh each.
The Challenge at Diva Station
Diva, one of the busiest stations, faces a unique challenge: due to a level crossing gate, it needs to be opened about 39 times a day, affecting around 70–75% of local train services. While the girder for the foot overbridge has already been installed, delays in land acquisition have stalled further progress.
 and Khopoli. This step comes in response to the tragic incident in Mumbra earlier in June. The railway administration has decided to place special emphasis on increasing passenger capacity.){kind=link}