Central Railway Takes Over 14 CIDCO Stations on Harbour and Trans-Harbour Lines
Central Railway has officially taken over the remaining 14 railway stations developed by CIDCO across the Harbour and Trans-Harbour corridors, including Airoli, Rabale, Ghansoli, Koparkhairane, Turbhe, and Vashi. The handover was completed on Thursday, bringing all 17 CIDCO-developed stations under railway administration.
The transfer resolves a long-running dispute between the two agencies over maintenance responsibilities and commuter amenities. For years, Central Railway operated train services while CIDCO maintained the station infrastructure. Although the initial development agreement between CIDCO and Indian Railways expired in 2008, the stations remained under CIDCO's control, often leaving commuters caught between both entities over basic repairs and facilities.
Thane MP Naresh Mhaske had repeatedly raised the issue with Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw. A joint meeting held at the Central Railway headquarters at CSMT on May 15 established a six-month timeline for the transition. After progress slowed following the initial phase, a follow-up meeting with Vaishnaw resulted in direct instructions for the Railways to take over the network and carry out development works directly.
The transfer took place in two distinct phases. The first phase concluded on June 22, when Targhar, Bamandongri, and Kharkopar stations were handed over. The second phase covered Vashi, Sanpada, Juinagar, Nerul, Seawoods-Darave, Belapur, Airoli, Rabale, Ghansoli, Koparkhairane, Turbhe, Khandeshwar, Mansarovar, and Kharghar.
With Central Railway now in charge of the stations, the focus will turn to infrastructure modernisation. Planned improvements include upgrading passenger amenities such as seating and toilets, along with installing escalators wherever required.
Administrative and operational transitions will continue over the coming weeks. Land plans are scheduled to be completed by September 30. CIDCO will continue managing existing contracts for housekeeping, pay-and-use toilets, and dewatering pumps until September 30, after which Central Railway will assume control on October 1. CIDCO is set to hand over agreement details by October 15, followed by the formal shift of commercial rights on October 16. Land leases, water and electricity agreements, and sewage connection plans are expected to be finalised by October 31.
