Western Railway plans Borivali redevelopment, Kandivali upgrade to ease congestion

MUMBAI: In a major plan to ease congestion at Borivali, one of Western Railway’s busiest stations, Railways has decided to develop Kandivali station in parallel through a comprehensive master plan to support future train operations and passenger growth, while adding an additional platform at Borivali.

The integrated redevelopment plan, reviewed by Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw on Monday, aims to improve operational efficiency, passenger comfort and accessibility without disrupting train services. Borivali station currently handles around 191 long-distance train services and nearly 1,200 suburban services daily, catering to approximately 3.65 lakh passengers every day. With passenger traffic projected to increase significantly in the coming years, the redevelopment aims to address present congestion while creating capacity for future growth. The master plan proposes an additional platform at Borivali along with expanded concourse areas and wider passenger circulation spaces. It also includes improved inter-platform connectivity through upgraded foot overbridges, additional lifts and escalators, skywalk connectivity, and streamlined entry and exit systems. Parking infrastructure will also be expanded to facilitate smoother passenger movement and enhance safety.

To further ease pressure on Borivali, Railways has decided to undertake the parallel development of Kandivali station, located about 2 km away, through a comprehensive master plan. Officials said adequate railway land is available at Kandivali, enabling it to support future train operations and accommodate growing passenger demand. The move is expected to decongest Borivali while improving operational efficiency, passenger comfort and accessibility across the corridor. The proposal includes multi-level parking, dedicated pick-up and drop-off zones, improved road connectivity and transit-oriented development for optimal utilisation of railway land, creating a seamless multimodal transport system capable of supporting long-term growth. During the review meeting, Vaishnaw stressed that redevelopment works should be carried out with minimal inconvenience to passengers and without disrupting train operations. The redevelopment comes amid demands from local MLA Sanjay Upadhyay to expedite the modernisation of Borivali station under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme. He has also sought better suburban connectivity for the western suburbs, including Borivali–Belapur local services and a Borivali–Vasai–Diva–Kalyan corridor, arguing that commuters travelling to Navi Mumbai and Kalyan currently have to change trains en route, increasing travel time and congestion.