BJP MLA from Borivali, Sanjay Upadhyay, has urged Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw to expedite the long-pending redevelopment of Borivali railway station and increase the number of air-conditioned local train services between Borivali and Churchgate.
Borivali is among Mumbai's busiest railway stations, handling nearly 450,000 passengers daily. The station's modernisation and reconstruction have already been approved under the Prime Minister's Amrit Bharat Station Scheme. The project includes installation of escalators and lifts, expansion of AC local services, improved parking facilities and other passenger amenities.
Speaking to Loksatta, Upadhyay said the Railway Minister informed him that the development plan for Borivali station is ready and will be implemented soon.
The MLA also demanded replacement of the existing MEMU services operating between Dahanu, Virar and Borivali with new suburban local trains. He argued that the ageing MEMU coaches often suffer from poor ventilation, inadequate lighting and cleanliness issues, causing discomfort to passengers. Upadhyay suggested introducing a mix of AC and non-AC coaches on these routes.
To improve connectivity between Mumbai's western suburbs and Navi Mumbai, he also requested the introduction of a direct Borivali-Belapur local train service. At present, passengers are required to change trains during their journey. A direct service would benefit traders travelling to Navi Mumbai's APMC market, students attending educational institutions and office-goers commuting between the two regions.
Until such a service is introduced, Upadhyay has sought an earlier start for the existing Andheri-Belapur local services, beginning from 6 a.m.
He further highlighted the difficulties faced by western suburban commuters travelling to Kalyan, who currently have to change trains at Dadar. To address this, he proposed a direct suburban service connecting Borivali and Kalyan via Vasai and Diva, which he said would significantly ease travel for passengers.
Also Read: Mumbai: Girgaon Residents Oppose White Stripes Amid Growing Jain-Marathi Debate