The Mumbai Railway Vikas Corporation (MRVC) has completed the comprehensive upgradation of Khar Road Railway Station. The redevelopment, undertaken at a cost of Rs 85 crore, marks the first station to be transformed under the ambitious Rs 950 crore Mumbai Urban Transport Project (MUTP) 3 A, which aims to modernise 17 high-footfall railway stations in the city’s suburban rail network.
"The revamped Khar Road station now offers a significantly improved, commuter-friendly environment, enhancing safety, accessibility, and convenience for the over 1.6 lakh passengers who use the station daily. Among the most striking features is a newly constructed home platform measuring 270 meters in length and 10 meters in width, designed to ease passenger congestion and streamline movement during peak hours," said an MRVC official.
"One of the standout elements of the upgrade is a sprawling elevated deck the largest among Western Railway’s suburban stations spanning a total of 4,952 square meters. This includes the main deck measuring 197 meters by 22.3 meters (4,393.1 sq m), an additional segment of 39 meters by 10.6 meters (413.4 sq m), and a 31 -meter- long skywalk measuring 4.7 meters in width (145.7 sq m), further easing commuter circulation," he said.
To ensure inclusive and seamless vertical movement, MRVC has installed three lifts and five escalators including a unique double-discharge escalator and a well-designed ramp with handrails providing direct access from MCGM Road to the platform. Tactile and guiding tiles have been laid across key zones such as platforms, staircases, lifts, escalators, and ticket counters, catering to passengers with visual and mobility impairments.
According to MRVC, passenger amenities have also been significantly enhanced. Two new booking offices located at the ground level and on the elevated deck feature dedicated counters for persons with disabilities. The station now houses a deluxe toilet block with accessible facilities, a new Station Manager’s office, and large High Volume Low Speed (HVLS) fans to enhance ventilation.
Additional upgrades include improved lighting systems, enhanced platform ventilation, a redesigned and cleaner circulating area, and a newly crafted station façade that gives Khar Road a modern and welcoming appearance.
"This redevelopment is part of MRVC’s broader mission to modernize Mumbai’s suburban railway system under MUTP-3A. The project focuses on 17 key stations, including seven on the Western Railway line Khar Road (now complete), Santacruz, Kandivli, Mira Road, Bhayandar, Vasai, and Nallasopara. These stations are undergoing upgrades that include improved platforms, escalators, modernized ticketing facilities, enhanced lighting, and upgraded security systems." said a senior officer of MRVC.
"On the Central Railway network, ten stations—Kasara, Neral, Dombivli, Mulund, Bhandup, Ghatkopar, Govandi, Mankhurd, Chembur, and Guru Teg Bahadur Nagar are also being improved. The focus at these stations is on decongesting busy areas, widening entry and exit points, and enhancing accessibility through features like foot overbridges, lifts, and escalators," official stated.
The first phase of upgrades at Ghatkopar station has already been completed, with the second phase nearing completion. Work at other stations is progressing steadily and is expected to significantly elevate the daily commuter experience.
MRVC Chairman and Managing Director Vilas Sopan Wadekar emphasized the significance of the transformation, stating, “This transformation reinforces MRVC’s commitment to delivering a modern and inclusive urban rail system in Mumbai. The improvement in Khar Road station infrastructure marks a significant leap toward decongesting suburban rail infrastructure and enhancing the passenger experience.”
