The Centre's ambitious proposal to build one of Mumbai's largest long-distance railway terminals at Kandivali has hit a major hurdle, with the Ministry of Defence unwilling to transfer nearly 65 acres of strategically located land sought by the Railways.
The proposed site, situated between Kandivali and Malad stations, is considered one of the last large land parcels in Mumbai capable of accommodating a full-fledged railway terminus and coaching depot. However, the land is currently occupied by the Central Ordnance Depot, defence staff quarters, administrative offices and some vacant areas, prompting the Defence Ministry to reject earlier requests for its transfer.
Despite the setback, the Western Railway (WR) continues to pursue the proposal and has recently presented a detailed blueprint of the project to Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw. Discussions between the Railway and Defence ministries are still underway.
Western Railway officials believe the proposed nine-platform Kandivali terminus could transform long-distance rail travel in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR). Designed to handle 48-50 pairs of trains daily, the terminal would have a capacity comparable to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT), significantly easing pressure on existing long-distance stations.
The new terminus would primarily benefit passengers from western suburbs who currently travel to Mumbai Central, Bandra Terminus or CSMT to board trains. It is expected to improve connectivity to Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and several northern states while reducing congestion at Mumbai's existing terminals.
Officials said the project also aligns with Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw's directive to increase Mumbai's train-handling capacity by nearly 50 percent.
The proposal involves two separate defence land parcels.
The larger parcel, measuring approximately 1,100 metres by 400 metres, is located near the existing Kandivali goods yard and is considered suitable for the main coaching terminal. Railway officials say its size makes it ideal for a modern railway facility capable of accommodating full-length trains and maintenance infrastructure.
The second parcel, measuring around 700 metres by 60 metres along Railway Line No. 6, is too narrow for passenger platforms. Instead, it has been earmarked for supporting infrastructure such as pit lines, stabling lines and auxiliary maintenance facilities.
According to the preliminary blueprint prepared by Western Railway, the Kandivali project would include:
The maintenance facilities are also being planned to support next-generation rolling stock, including Vande Bharat trains.
As part of the project, Western Railway has proposed relocating the existing Kandivali coaching and maintenance facilities to Virar. Officials said a study has already been completed for developing a new coaching depot there, allowing the Kandivali site to be fully utilised for the proposed terminus.
Railway officials say the proposed terminal enjoys several advantages. Besides being located close to Kandivali station, it is adjacent to the Poisar Metro station, the Kandivali car shed and major road corridors, making it well suited for future multimodal transport integration and easier passenger access.
The Railway Board has also approved plans to integrate Kandivali and Borivali stations as part of a larger capacity enhancement programme, with officials expecting the proposed terminus to become a key component of that network.
Western Railway has been seeking the transfer of the land for several years. However, the Defence Ministry has consistently maintained that the land remains under active occupation and has future strategic requirements.
During a joint site inspection conducted on February 11, 2025, only two railway officials were permitted to enter the defence premises. Railway officials said additional technical surveys and project planning cannot proceed without fresh approvals from the Defence Ministry.
Sources said the Railways will continue pursuing the proposal through the appropriate government channels.
Mumbai's existing long-distance railway terminals—including Mumbai Central, Bandra Terminus, Dadar, Lokmanya Tilak Terminus and CSMT—are operating close to capacity. While the under-construction Jogeshwari terminus is expected to accommodate only around 12 additional long-distance trains, railway officials believe Kandivali remains the only viable location identified for a full-scale terminal in the western suburbs.
If approved, the project would substantially expand Mumbai's long-distance rail capacity, reduce waiting lists on several popular routes, improve operational flexibility and offer passengers from western MMR a more convenient departure point closer to home.
For now, however, the fate of the mega terminus depends entirely on whether the Defence Ministry agrees to part with the land that the Railways considers critical for one of Mumbai's most significant future rail infrastructure projects.
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