Western Railway (WR) has released a major redevelopment proposal for Mumbai Central station, intended to transform the 96-year-old landmark into a modern multi-modal transit hub while maintaining its heritage. Want to know more about it? Read on!
Mumbai Central Railway Station To Get Major Upgrade
As per a report by The Free Press Journal, the plan involves converting part of the heritage station building into a budget hotel and developing nearly 1,500 sq m of reclaimed land outside the station into a passenger-friendly commercial plaza.
The redevelopment comes as Mumbai Central gains importance as a major interchange, offering seamless connectivity between Western Railway, Central Railway and Metro Line 3. Railway authorities said passengers can now travel between Mumbai Central and Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) in just 15–20 minutes via the metro.
As part of the project, the retiring rooms on the third floor of the heritage building will shut from July 31, with renovation work scheduled to begin on August 1. The facility has 11 rooms, including two dormitories, but only three to four rooms are currently functional due to low occupancy.
A private service provider has been appointed to refurbish, maintain and run the accommodation. Once restored, the facility is anticipated to reopen within three to four months as a budget hotel with both AC and non-AC rooms for rail passengers.
Mumbai Central Station To Preserve Heritage
Officials said the restoration will retain the building’s heritage character, including decades-old teakwood cupboards and other original features, while adding modern amenities without altering the structure. Western Railway expects to generate around ₹50 lakh over five years through the licence agreement.
Separately, WR has reclaimed around 1,500 sq m of land outside Mumbai Central after clearing long-standing encroachments, illegal parking and other unauthorised activities. The freed-up space is proposed to be developed into a passenger-centric plaza featuring a digital business lounge, food kiosks, premium catering outlets, landscaped public spaces and improved pedestrian areas. A Rail-on-Wheels restaurant has also been proposed, though the final layout is yet to be announced.
Also Read: Mumbai Metro Line 5 Set For ₹18,130 Cr Expansion; New Corridor To Link Thane, Bhiwandi & Kalyan
Built in 1930, Mumbai Central is one of Western Railway’s busiest long-distance terminals, handling 18–20 pairs of trains daily to destinations across Gujarat, Rajasthan, Delhi and other parts of northern and western India. Railway officials said details on hotel tariffs, timelines and other passenger facilities will be announced as the redevelopment progresses.
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Which area comes in Mumbai Central?
Mumbai Central is a prominent neighbourhood in South Mumbai that encompasses areas such as Agripada, Tardeo, and Madanpura.