Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw reviewed the master plans for the redevelopment of busy railway stations—such as Borivali, Ambala, and Mangaluru—during a meeting with senior railway officials yesterday. Minister of State for Railways Shri Ravneet Singh Bittu was also present at the review meeting.
The Railway Minister emphasized that redevelopment work should be carried out with minimal inconvenience to passengers and without disrupting train operations. He stressed the need to create a future-ready railway system while ensuring the smooth day-to-day functioning of the stations.
The objective of the meeting was to address current congestion issues and enhance capacity to meet future requirements. Discussions focused on improving passenger amenities through measures such as additional platforms, wider foot-over-bridges (FOBs), better connectivity between platforms, additional entry and exit points, improved circulation areas, enhanced multi-modal integration, and seamless passenger movement.
Vaishnaw also directed officials to consult with Members of Parliament (MPs), Members of Legislative Assembly (MLAs), representatives of local bodies, state governments, and other stakeholders during the subsequent stages of planning. Their suggestions and local requirements will be incorporated into the final redevelopment plans to ensure that station infrastructure aligns with the needs of passengers and local communities.
Vaishnaw emphasized the need for a robust design approach that prioritizes quality, durability, and passenger convenience. Discussions were held on utilizing modern construction techniques—such as precast components and advanced construction systems—to ensure rapid project completion while maintaining high construction standards. Officials were also instructed to ensure the optimal utilization of allocated funds and the timely completion of approved projects.
Borivali-Kandivali Redevelopment
The review placed special emphasis on Borivali railway station, which serves as a crucial interchange hub for passengers on the railway network. Unlike terminal stations, Borivali serves as a major hub for local and long-distance passengers to board, alight, and interchange. Currently, the station handles approximately 1,200 local train services and 191 long-distance train services daily, facilitating the commute of around 3.65 lakh passengers. Passenger numbers are projected to rise significantly in the coming years. The station caters to both local and long-distance commuters, resulting in heavy footfall and congestion—particularly during peak hours when passengers from various services converge within the station premises.
The objective of this integrated redevelopment plan is to streamline passenger movement. Key measures include improved connectivity between platforms, expanded space, an upgraded concourse, better foot-overbridges, skywalk links, and enhanced accessibility. The proposal entails constructing an additional platform, enlarging the concourse area, and installing more lifts and escalators. Furthermore, improved passenger circulation facilities and expanded parking arrangements will be created to facilitate easy movement between platforms and enhance overall passenger convenience and safety.
To boost capacity, improve passenger flow, and alleviate congestion at Borivali station, a decision has been made to simultaneously develop Kandivali station as part of a comprehensive master plan. Kandivali station is located approximately 2 kilometers away from Borivali. Given the availability of ample railway land, Kandivali station will assist in managing future train operations and the growing volume of passengers. This will reduce crowding at Borivali station while enhancing operational capacity, passenger convenience, and accessibility. The integrated development of Borivali and Kandivali is expected to strengthen east-south connectivity, improve interchange capabilities, foster better synergy with metro and road networks, and create a seamless multi-modal transport system that supports long-term growth. The plan also incorporates the optimal utilization of railway land through features such as multi-level parking, dedicated pick-up and drop-off zones, improved road connectivity, and transit-oriented development.
Redevelopment of Ambala
The redevelopment plan for the Ambala Cantt station was also reviewed during the meeting. Currently, 328 trains pass through Ambala station, handling a daily footfall of over 44,000 passengers—a figure projected to rise significantly in the coming years.
To accommodate the anticipated increase in passenger volume and additional train services, the redevelopment plan proposes the construction of two new full-length platforms and a new 12-meter-wide foot-over-bridge. The project also includes plans for additional escalators and lifts to enhance passenger mobility, ensuring seamless movement between platforms—particularly for the elderly, differently-abled, and passengers carrying luggage. Plans are also in place to upgrade existing platforms, install new platform shelters, and develop surface-level parking facilities.
The objective of this proposed redevelopment is to facilitate easier access to the station, improve passenger circulation areas, enhance connectivity, provide modern amenities, and cater to the future growth in passenger numbers to establish better arrangements. Upon completion, this project will enhance operational efficiency, reduce congestion, improve accessibility, and make the travel experience safer, more comfortable, and passenger-friendly.
Redevelopment of Mangaluru
The redevelopment plan for Mangaluru Central Station was also discussed during this review. Currently, over 28,000 passengers pass through this station daily, and approximately 50 trains operate from here. As passenger numbers are expected to rise in the future, there is a need to increase capacity and improve infrastructural facilities.
Keeping future requirements and the operation of additional trains in mind, the redevelopment plan proposes the construction of two new full-length platforms. The project also includes upgrading platforms, constructing a new 6-meter-wide foot-over-bridge, installing improved platform shelters, and adding more escalators and lifts to facilitate easier passenger movement within the station.
The objective of the redevelopment plan is to provide better amenities, easy access, improved connectivity, enhanced operational efficiency, and a modern station infrastructure for passengers. These changes will reduce congestion, improve convenience for elderly and differently-abled passengers, and create a more comfortable, future-ready station environment, while also boosting regional connectivity and economic growth. Officials stated that the redevelopment efforts at Borivali, Ambala, and Mangaluru would significantly improve the passenger experience, operational efficiency, and infrastructural capacity. These proposals will now undergo further detailed scrutiny and stakeholder consultations, paving the way for subsequent planning and implementation phases.
