Central Railway (CR) has taken over the remaining 14 railway stations developed by CIDCO on the Harbour and Trans-Harbour corridors, bringing all 17 CIDCO-developed stations under its control and resolving a long-standing issue over station maintenance and passenger amenities.
The transfer is expected to provide greater clarity on responsibility for infrastructure, repairs and passenger facilities. For several years, Central Railway operated train services while CIDCO continued to maintain station infrastructure. The arrangement had resulted in commuters facing difficulties over repairs and basic amenities, as responsibility was divided between the two agencies.
The stations had been developed by CIDCO under an agreement with Indian Railways. However, after the agreement expired in 2008, the stations continued to remain under CIDCO's control. The issue had been repeatedly raised by Thane MP Naresh Mhaske, who sought intervention from Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw for the transfer of responsibility.
Mhaske was reported to have highlighted that major works and passenger facilities had not been adequately provided because responsibility had remained divided between CIDCO and the Railways. He was also reported to have pointed out that Vashi and Navi Mumbai stations had not received the level of modernisation being undertaken elsewhere across the railway network.
A joint meeting at Central Railway headquarters at CSMT on May 15 had resulted in a six-month timeline being established for completing the transfer. The first phase was completed on June 22, when Targhar, Bamandongri and Kharkopar stations were handed over to Central Railway.
The second phase has now covered Vashi, Sanpada, Juinagar, Nerul, Seawoods-Darave, Belapur, Airoli, Rabale, Ghansoli, Koparkhairane, Turbhe, Khandeshwar, Mansarovar and Kharghar.
It was reported that the second phase had slowed after the initial three stations were transferred, following which another meeting was held with the Railway Minister. Vaishnaw was subsequently reported to have directed the Railways to immediately take over the entire system and undertake the required works.
With CR now responsible for the stations, modernisation and improvement of passenger amenities are expected to be undertaken. Seating and toilet facilities are expected to be improved, while escalators are likely to be installed wherever required.
The operational transition has been completed, while commercial and administrative formalities will continue. CIDCO's existing contracts for housekeeping, pay-and-use toilets and dewatering pumps will remain in force until September 30, after which CR is expected to take over. Commercial rights are scheduled to be transferred from October 16, while land plans, leases, water and power agreements and sewage-related formalities are expected to be completed by September and October.