Western Railway seeks Kandivali Defence land for new nine-platform train terminus
The Western Railway has sought approval from the Central government and the Ministry of Defence to acquire land in Kandivali for a new long-distance train terminus and a mega coaching depot. The proposed project aims to ease train congestion at existing stations, including Bandra Terminus, which are currently operating near saturation. However, the development is currently stalled as the Defence Ministry has previously rejected two such land acquisition requests.
The proposed infrastructure is planned on two parcels of Defence land situated between Kandivali and Malad. The site is located close to the Kandivali car shed and the Poisar Metro station, which makes it strategically placed for future multimodal connectivity. According to preliminary discussion plans, the larger of the two land parcels measures approximately 1,100 metres by 400 metres and has been earmarked for the coaching terminal.
If approved, the Western Railway plans to construct a full-fledged long-distance terminus at the site featuring nine platforms. Each platform would measure around 625 metres in length, providing the capacity to handle 54 mail and express trains. The facility would also include six pit lines for the routine inspection and maintenance of coaches, alongside nine stabling lines for parking and servicing train rakes.
Additionally, the plans outline dedicated shunting tracks to facilitate train movements and two sick-line sheds where damaged or defective coaches can undergo repairs. The second identified plot of land, measuring roughly 700 metres by 60 metres, is planned to accommodate further stabling lines and pit lines.
The Western Railway is seeking to acquire this land because existing long-distance terminals in Mumbai, including Mumbai Central, Dadar, and Bandra Terminus, are operating near their saturation points. Establishing the new terminus in Kandivali is expected to reduce pressure on these south Mumbai terminals and increase operational flexibility by allowing more trains to originate and terminate within the western suburbs.
Despite the operational benefits, the project cannot proceed without the Defence Ministry reversing its stance. The ministry previously rejected two requests for the land from the Western Railway, citing that the property was under "active occupation." Sources familiar with the planning process stated that the Western Railway expects to continue pursuing the Defence land through appropriate channels, as the site represents one of the few remaining large tracts of land capable of supporting a modern coaching terminal in Mumbai's suburban region.
