Mumbai: CR wants you to help redesign local stations

The designs will be inspired by local culture, heritage and architecture. Representation pic

The Central Railway, as part of the Amrit Bharat scheme, has taken an innovative approach by seeking suggestions from local stakeholders to redesign existing stations. A senior official emphasised the importance of gathering feedback to enhance the customer experience, stating, "Passengers, rail users, passenger user associations, and various service providers at the station will have a more inclusive view on the requirements of a particular station."

Stakeholders are encouraged to submit their suggestions before August 15, 2023, via email at drm@bb.railnet.gov.in or by using the Twitter username @drmmumbaicr with the hashtag #AmritBharat_StationName. Suggestions received after this date may also be considered based on the stage of work etc.

The station upgrade work will be inaugurated by the Prime Minister via video conferencing at three suburban stations: Parel, Vikhroli, and Kanjurmarg on August 6, 2023. Central Railway General Manager Naresh Lalwani revealed that the Amrit Bharat Station scheme aims to upgrade or modernise 76 railway stations on the Central Railway network. Among these, foundation stones will be laid at 38 stations.

The overall plan includes the preparation of master plans and their phased implementation to improve various amenities at the stations. These enhancements encompass better station access, circulating areas, waiting halls, toilets, lifts, escalators, cleanliness, free Wi-Fi, kiosks for local products under the 'One Station One Product' scheme, improved passenger information systems, Executive lounges, designated spaces for business meetings, and landscaping, with a focus on individual station requirements. Additionally, there are plans to integrate the station better with both sides of the city, achieve multimodal integration, create ‘Roof Plazas' as needed, and establish city centres at the station in the long term.

Mumbai, with its significant role in India's railway journey, will witness the upgrade and redevelopment of 15 suburban stations on the Central Railway network. These stations include Byculla, Chinchpokli, Parel, Matunga, Kurla, Vidyavihar, Vikhroli, Kanjurmarg, Mumbra, Diva, Shahad, Titwala, Igatpuri, Wadala Road, and Sandhurst Road.

New features

The revamped stations will boast several attractive features, such as an elegant new station building with a modern and inviting design. To align with the Swachh Bharat mission, a modular sewage treatment plant will be introduced to ensure efficient sewage treatment and a cleaner environment.

Aesthetic platforms will be achieved through resurfacing and captivating landscaping on platform walls. Passengers can expect improved amenities, including better seating, drinking water facilities, and enhanced lighting and ventilation both on platforms and within the station building.

Enhanced connectivity will be provided through a revamped foot-over bridge, along with additional lift and escalator facilities to ease passenger movement and accessibility. The station premises will feature modernized train indication boards and passenger-friendly signages for seamless navigation.

All existing buildings, such as the booking office and administrative structures, will undergo a thorough renovation to align with the overarching vision of the scheme. Importantly, all upgrades will be designed with inclusivity in mind, ensuring accessibility and convenience for Divyangjan (specially-abled) individuals.

Aug 15
Deadline to submit suggestions