Railways Propose Termination of Harbour Line Trains at Sandhurst Road

Mumbai commuters on the Harbour Line may soon find their journeys ending at Sandhurst Road instead of the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT). This proposal, aimed at freeing up tracks for more long-distance trains, was presented to Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw during his recent visit to the city.

The Proposal: Changes and Implications

Under the proposed plan, suburban services on the Harbour Line would terminate at the elevated Sandhurst Road station. Passengers intending to travel to Masjid or CSMT would need to either switch to the main line station and catch a train from the slow platform or find alternative road transport.

To facilitate this change, the railways are considering constructing a 300-metre foot overbridge connecting Sandhurst Road with Masjid station or a holding area on the elevated portion of Sandhurst Road station. This would free up two tracks between Sandhurst Road and CSMT, currently used for Harbour Line services, which could then be reassigned for slow trains on the main line. The existing fast train tracks on the main line would be dedicated to long-distance trains.

Feasibility Concerns

Despite the potential benefits, several railway officials have expressed concerns about the feasibility of this proposal. Sandhurst Road station is not currently equipped to handle the high footfalls expected if Harbour Line services terminate there. Officials have pointed out that even if a holding area is constructed, it is unlikely commuters will wait there, leading to overcrowded platforms and potential safety issues.

Alternatives and Considerations

The proposal aims to avoid land acquisition on the eastern side between Masjid and Sandhurst Road stations, an area densely populated with residential and commercial buildings. However, officials suggest that acquiring adjacent land to create better amenities might be a more practical solution, despite the challenges of rehabilitation.

Additionally, the proposal includes significant changes to Byculla station, with plans to remove the fast corridor platforms to make way for new tracks. This would result in fast trains not stopping anywhere between CSMT and Dadar, further complicating travel for commuters.

Mixed Reactions and Future Steps

While the proposal is part of Indian Railways' broader efforts to decongest the suburban network and does not yet have final approval, it has sparked mixed reactions among officials and commuters alike. The next steps will involve further scrutiny and possibly exploring alternative solutions to balance the needs of local commuters with the demands of long-distance travel.

The debate continues as stakeholders weigh the potential benefits against the practical challenges, with the ultimate goal of improving Mumbai's complex and heavily utilized rail network.