A new coworking facility is being launched by Western Railways at Mumbai Central Terminus, with the aim of transforming passenger wait times into productive intervals. The development is being undertaken within a 1,712-square-foot section of the station concourse, which is located between the food outlets and train platforms.
The venue is being converted into a temperature-controlled coworking lounge that will be equipped with a combination of communal tables and secluded booths. High-speed internet connections, device-charging ports, and ergonomic chairs are being installed to accommodate modern work requirements. Amenities such as printing and scanning units, along with self-service vending machines dispensing light refreshments, are also being provided. Small conference rooms and designated event zones are being integrated, so that meetings and informal gatherings may be held without disrupting rail operations.
A tendering process was used to award the contract for the lounge’s construction, which has been aligned with Indian Railways’ broader strategy of enhancing station infrastructure while generating non-fare revenue. A senior Western Railway spokesperson explained that inspiration had been drawn from analogous coworking lounges at European railway stations, where similar concepts have been successfully applied. It was noted that, although executive rest areas are currently available, the introduction of a digital lounge represents a forward-looking approach to commuter services.
Capacity has been set for 20 to 50 users at any given time, and access is being extended to both ticket-holding travellers and members of the general public. An hourly fee model is being proposed under a public–private partnership framework, with pricing details slated for announcement closer to the opening date. Revenue projections indicate that the Mumbai Central lounge alone could yield approximately ₹50 lakh annually, and that replication of the concept at other locations could boost aggregate earnings to around ₹2.71 crore. Expansion plans are being considered for other major nodes, including Andheri, Goregaon, Borivali, and Bandra Terminus. These efforts form part of the ₹947-crore Station Improvement Project that is being overseen by the Mumbai Rail Vikas Corporation. Concourse areas adjacent to commercial zones are being surveyed to identify the most suitable sites for additional digital lounges.
It is anticipated that the new facility will significantly enhance the travel experience for corporate commuters and business visitors, who often require workspace during transit. By repurposing under-utilised station real estate, the project is expected to reinforce Indian Railways’ commitment to delivering modern, passenger-centric infrastructure. A Western Railway official concluded that the initiative will be celebrated as a landmark in station amenity upgrades, setting a precedent for future innovations across the network.
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