The Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) in Mumbai can now accommodate longer passenger trains with up to 24 coaches, thanks to a major infrastructure upgrade by the Central Railway.
From Friday to Sunday, the Mumbai division of Central Railway undertook a 36-hour special block to carry out several key upgrades. This included the extension of platforms 10 and 11 at CSMT and the widening of platforms 5 and 6 at Thane station.
A 36-hour block was set from midnight on June 1 to noon on June 2 on the CSMT-Byculla main line and CSMT-Vadala Road harbour line to complete the work. This massive project involved the installation of Electronic Interlocking (EI) systems, laying and dismantling turnouts, and setting up Over Head Equipment (OHE) portals. Notably, two special OHE portals, each 53 meters long, were erected, a first for Indian Railways.
Platforms 10 and 11 at CSMT were extended by 385 meters, making them 690 meters long and capable of handling 24-coach trains. At Thane station, platforms 5 and 6 were widened by 2-3 meters along their entire 587-meter length using 785 precast hollow blocks. This innovative method helps prevent platform surface settlement.
The project required 250 skilled workers and a dedicated team of senior officers and supervisors from Central Railway. At Thane station, a 63-hour block starting from midnight on May 31 was utilized to complete the platform widening. Over 300 trains use these platforms daily, making the upgrade crucial for smoother operations.
Additionally, a foot overbridge was dismantled and replaced to make room for the widened platforms. The entire project was a coordinated effort involving 15 senior engineers and 20 teams of about 400 laborers from various contractors, working tirelessly to meet the deadline.
These upgrades mark a significant improvement for Mumbai’s railway infrastructure, ensuring a more comfortable and efficient experience for passengers.
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