In a novel initiative to promote reading and community engagement, “Library Junction”, first-of-its-kind free public station library for commuters, was inaugurated at Churchgate station on Friday, 5th June, 2026, on the occasion of World Environment Day.
According to a press release issued by the Chief Public Relations Officer, Western Railway, Shri Vineet Abhishek, the initiative has been undertaken by Project Mumbai with support from Mumbai Central Division of Western Railway, with L&T Ltd. as the Social Initiative Partner. The library was inaugurated by AB de Villiers, former Cricket Captain of South Africa, in the august presence of Shri Pankaj Singh, Divisional Railway Manager, Mumbai Central Division, Western Railway and Shri Shishir Joshi,CEO & Founder, Project Mumbai.
The inauguration ceremony was held at the South Concourse Area of Churchgate station. The initiative aims to transform the commuting experience by providing passengers and citizens access to books and encouraging the habit of reading. With this initiative, one of Mumbai’s busiest railway station will now offer commuters an opportunity to reconnect with books amidst their daily journeys.
“Library Junction” is part of Project Mumbai’s Read Mumbai initiative, which seeks to create inclusive reading and knowledge spaces for people from all walks of life. The library has been built using recycled plastic collected during Project Mumbai’s Plastic Recyclathon, thereby giving the initiative a strong sustainability connect.
The library presently has a collection of around 1,200 books, covering a wide range of reading interests including comics, children’s story books, fiction, non-fiction, self-help books, autobiographies, books on yoga, as well as magazines such as National Geographic, among others. A librarian will be available at the facility from 08.00 hrs to 20.00 hrs to assist commuters and readers. The initiative allows commuters to borrow books and return them within two weeks of issuance, making reading more accessible and convenient.
The library has received encouraging support through book donations from citizens, communities and schools across Mumbai, along with voluntary assistance for organising and cataloguing the books. The collection reflects the love and contribution of citizens towards Mumbai’s lifeline and brings together books shared by different communities, citizens and schools. Citizens can also contribute to this initiative by donating books, making “Library Junction” a true people-powered reading space built through collective participation. “Project Mumbai” aims to create more such reading spaces across the city through people-public-private support.
Western Railway remains committed to facilitating meaningful public initiatives that enhance passenger experience and encourage community engagement at railway stations.