Western Railway is undertaking key infrastructure changes at Dadar station as part of its preparations to introduce more 15-coach suburban services and increase passenger carrying capacity on Mumbai’s suburban network.
As part of the ongoing Virar–Mumbai Central fifth and sixth line project, Platform No. 4 at Dadar station will be extended by around 70 to 80 metres towards Churchgate. Once the work is completed, 15-coach fast local trains will also be able to halt at the platform. The sixth line is also being extended from Dadar towards Parel under the same project.
Platform length to be increased for 15-coach locals
A platform of around 270 metres is generally sufficient for 12-coach local trains, while 15-coach trains require approximately 330 metres of platform length. A 15-coach local can carry around 4,380 passengers. At present, Platform No. 5 at Dadar is used for 15-coach fast local services. Once Platform No. 4 is extended, 15-coach fast locals will be able to use both platforms. This is expected to reduce operational adjustments required for train movements at the station.
Platform No. 5 to be shortened
As part of the redevelopment, Platform No. 5 will be shortened by around 70 to 80 metres. According to railway officials, the platform is currently longer than required, and a portion of it is obstructing the proposed alignment of the sixth railway line. The platform will therefore be shortened to make space available for the new track.
Old FOB pillar to be removed
The project will also involve the removal of a pillar supporting an old foot overbridge (FOB) at Dadar station, as the structure is coming in the way of the new railway line work. To minimise inconvenience to passengers, a new FOB has already been opened and connected to the existing Central Railway FOB. This is expected to ensure that passenger movement remains smooth while the construction work is underway.
Other stations being upgraded for 15-coach services
Western Railway is also extending platforms at Vile Parle, Santacruz, Khar Road and Bandra as part of preparations for 15-coach local services. The platform extensions are expected to enable 15-coach slow locals to operate up to Bandra. Work at Khar Road station has been completed, while work at the remaining stations is expected to be completed soon.
Changes to benefit Mail and Express trains too
The Dadar station upgrades are expected to benefit long-distance train operations as well. Once 15-coach fast locals can use Platform No. 4, Platform No. 5 can be used more efficiently for Mail and Express trains.
The project is therefore aimed at achieving two objectives increasing suburban passenger capacity through 15-coach local services and creating additional track capacity through the fifth and sixth lines to improve the overall movement of trains on the Western Railway network.
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