By Auto Desk,News18

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Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) in Mumbai will see Platform 18 closed for approximately 80 days starting Wednesday, October 1. The temporary shutdown is part of the ongoing Rs 2,450-crore redevelopment project spearheaded by the Rail Land Development Authority (RLDA).
The platform is crucial for handling long-distance trains, including Rajdhani, Shatabdi, and Vande Bharat services, and offers passengers convenient access to P D’Mello Road and the Eastern Freeway.
Passengers will need to adjust their travel plans, as the Amravati and Nandigram Express trains will run only up to Dadar instead of CSMT. Barricades will be installed, and excavation work will begin to prepare for the construction of an elevated passenger deck on Platform 18. The project is expected to be completed by December 19 this year.
Platform Closure Is Necessary For Construction
The closure is needed to carry out piling and foundation work for the new elevated deck, which will eventually cover all platforms.
“We cannot avoid shutting down Platform 18, as it is the primary access point for moving both workers and materials for this project,” a Central Railway officer said, as quoted by The Indian Express.
The upcoming deck will feature modern amenities, including ticket counters, waiting lounges, food courts, retail outlets, and entertainment zones, all designed to enhance the overall passenger experience.
While suburban train services are not expected to be affected, long-distance trains that usually use Platform 18 will be shifted to other platforms. In addition, maintenance activities for premium trains may face slight time constraints, but railway authorities assured passengers that safety will not be compromised.
Train Adjustments And Daily Traffic
Platforms 11 to 18 manage around 40 to 45 long-distance trains daily, with Platform 18 handling six to eight trains. Thousands of passengers rely on it every day.
Earlier this year, platforms 12 and 13 were upgraded to handle 24-coach trains, causing temporary disruptions. Similar changes will now occur at Platform 18.
A special block will also be enforced between Dadar and Kurla, as well as Byculla and Parel, to facilitate the erection of girders for new pedestrian bridges. Local train services operating late at night are expected to be affected during this period.
New Facilities For Passengers
The upgraded deck will feature ticket counters, spacious waiting areas, music stalls, shopping outlets and entertainment zones. The redevelopment project aims to modernise the historic UNESCO World Heritage station while preserving its architecture.
Once complete, the station will offer improved accessibility, clear arrival and departure zones, and enhanced comfort for all travellers.
In addition, the phased redevelopment is expected to reduce congestion and make commuting easier while maintaining CSMT’s status as one of Mumbai’s busiest transport hubs.
Excerpts: Platform 18 at Mumbai’s CSMT will be closed for 80 days for redevelopment, affecting several long-distance trains.
Caption: The upgrade will bring modern facilities, extended decks and improved passenger amenities.