Mumbai: The local train system is a crucial part of daily life for millions of commuters, and enhancing connectivity is vital to alleviate the rising congestion. A notable development has surfaced with the Central Railway's (CR) initiative to reclaim a segment linking Lokmanya Tilak Terminus (LTT) to Vidyavihar railway station on the Main Line.
According to a report by Hindustan Times, this project is designed to improve connectivity by offering an essential alternate route to reach LTT by local train, thus avoiding the current dependency on road transport via Tilak Nagar station on the Harbour Line. Presently, passengers intending to reach LTT have to disembark at Tilak Nagar and walk to their destination, which necessitates changing trains at Kurla to board the Harbour Line. This inconvenient process has historically posed challenges for commuters, prompting demands for a more direct route.
The suggested reclamation of the 300-500 metre stretch will alleviate the difficulties for thousands of travelers by enhancing the traffic flow to LTT and facilitating easier access to the east-bound suburban railway line. In addition to the enhanced accessibility, the CR’s plans emphasise the significance of upgrading infrastructure at bustling centers like LTT.
Last year, CR boosted LTT’s capacity by adding two additional rail lines and platforms, and the station continues to experience high passenger traffic, accommodating numerous trains, including 40-45 percent of summer special trains originating from there. Improving rail connectivity will facilitate easier access for commuters to this vital terminus and further alleviate the strain on Mumbai’s transportation system.
The Central Railway plans to reclaim a 300-500 meter encroached stretch linking Lokmanya Tilak Terminus to Vidyavihar railway station, improving access to LTT currently reached through Tilak Nagar on the Harbour Line. On April 16, 2025, slums occupied the land intended for reclamation, which connects Kurla Terminus with Vidyavihar.
The railway is collaborating with civic officials to tackle the encroachments, involving slums, religious sites, and commercial entities, although the precise scope remains unclear post-survey. This reclamation aims to create an alternate train route to LTT, facilitating easier access for passengers who currently must transfer at Kurla. As LTT expands its capacity, CR's reclamation efforts seek to enhance connectivity and mitigate encroachments impacting railway infrastructure.
