In a major development aimed at improving railway infrastructure, the Railway Board has approved the construction of a new coaching terminus near Vasai Road station under Western Railway. This will be the eighth terminal on the Western Railway line, and it is expected to significantly enhance train connectivity towards the Konkan region. The project has been allocated a budget of Rs 150.26 crore.
A meeting held in 2023-24 under Western Railway’s transport planning framework cleared the proposal for this new terminus. The initiative is part of Western Railway’s broader strategy to increase passenger carrying capacity and upgrade essential infrastructure.
Vineet Abhishek, Chief Public Relations Officer of Western Railway, stated that the new coaching terminus at Vasai Road is a major step forward in enhancing passenger facilities and connectivity. The approval by the Railway Board marks a key milestone in this direction.
Tender Process to Begin Soon
According to officials, a detailed plan for the project has already been submitted to the board. With the green light received, an engineering-scale plan will now be prepared, followed by finalizing the total cost and initiating the tender process to appoint a contractor. The new terminus will have three lanes and will cater exclusively to mail and express trains. Additionally, an island passenger platform will be constructed for return trains, allowing parking of trains on both sides. Remaining tracks will be used for train parking.
Facility to Operate 12 Additional Mail/Express Trains
Currently, there are seven terminuses in Mumbai under Western Railway: Mumbai Central, Dadar, Bandra, Borivali, Vasai Road, Virar, and Jogeshwari. Once the new terminus becomes operational, it will enable the operation of 12 additional mail and express trains. This will not only ease rail traffic at Vasai Road station but also provide direct train services for passengers traveling to and from the Konkan region.
Officials emphasized that efforts are underway to commence the project at the earliest and ensure its timely completion.
