Navi Mumbai: Panvel MLA Prashant Thakur has appealed to Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw to take swift action for the comprehensive development of Panvel Railway Station. Minister Vaishnaw, who is currently touring key railway stations across the country, visited Panvel station today. During his visit, MLA Thakur submitted a memorandum highlighting the urgent need for infrastructural improvements and held discussions with the minister, requesting a meeting with senior officials to resolve long-pending issues at the station.
Joining MLA Thakur were MLA Mahesh Baldi, BJP district president Avinash Koli, district general secretary Nitin Patil, Shiv Sena district chief Ramdas Shevale, as well as local representatives, office-bearers, and party workers.
In his memorandum, MLA Thakur emphasized Panvel’s growing importance as a transport and commercial hub, describing it as the “Gateway to Mumbai.” He highlighted that Panvel has become a key junction for Konkan Railway, Mumbai–Navi Mumbai rail services, and Pune-bound trains. The rapid development in nearby Ulwe–Dronagiri, the recently launched Atal Setu, JNPT, and the soon-to-be-operational Navi Mumbai International Airport are expected to further boost population and commercial activity in the region.
MLA Thakur called for several urgent improvements, including extending the subway between platforms 1 and 4 up to New Panvel (East), constructing a new and wider foot overbridge to accommodate rising passenger numbers, completing the long-pending parking deck work on the east side, and providing escalators and lifts for senior citizens, differently-abled passengers, and pregnant women. He also urged that construction work on the station building be expedited and that an interconnection loop between the Harbour Line, Main Line, and local trains be established to improve operations, particularly in emergencies.
Although Panvel Station holds ‘A’ grade status, MLA Thakur pointed out that passengers continue to face significant challenges. He requested the minister to give personal attention to these matters and to convene a meeting with railway officials to ensure timely action.
