MUMBAI: Central Railway will impose another 75-day traffic and power block at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) from October 1 to December 15 for the redevelopment of the heritage terminus, resulting in eight long-distance trains being short-terminated at Dadar and Thane.The block will cover platforms 14 and 15 and stabling line 15 and will be undertaken in connection with Phase-I of the CSMT redevelopment being executed by the Rail Land Development Authority (RLDA).Foundation work and other essential construction activities will be carried out during the block, with train operations from the two platforms suspended until the work is completed.
Seven trains will be short-terminated at Dadar:
- 11002 Ballarshah-CSMT Nandigram Express
- 12810 Howrah-CSMT Express
- 12112 Amravati-CSMT Express
- 11020 Bhubaneswar-CSMT Konark Express
- 22120 Madgaon-CSMT Tejas Express
- 22144 Bidar-CSMT Express
- 22108 Latur-CSMT Express
- 12134 Mangaluru-CSMT Express will be short-terminated at Thane
The latest block comes after a prolonged closure of platforms 16 and 17 for the same redevelopment project.The earlier block began on February 1 and was initially scheduled for 85 days, till April 26. It was subsequently extended several times, with Central Railway saying the block continued until September 5.During this period, 10-14 long-distance trains were short-terminated at Dadar and Thane at different stages.The decision to take up work on platforms 14 and 15 had been a concern for Central Railway because these platforms handle another 16-18 long-distance services every day.CR had sought to have platforms 16 and 17 made fully operational before additional platforms were taken up for construction, citing the potential for further disruption to long-distance operations.The Rs 2,450-crore CSMT redevelopment project, approved by the Union cabinet in 2022, envisages transforming the terminus into an integrated transport hub while retaining the heritage character of its main Victorian Gothic building.The project includes new buildings, an elevated deck connecting platforms, improved passenger facilities and commercial spaces. The original completion deadline of March 2026 has been extended to October 2028.On completion of the current block, RLDA will hand over platforms 14 and 15 for train operations, Central Railway said.Passengers travelling on the affected trains have been advised to plan their journeys accordingly.
