Platform 18 at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) will be closed for about two months starting October 1. The closure is part of the INR 2,450 crore CSMT Redevelopment Project led by the Rail Land Development Authority (RLDA).
It should be noted that platform 18 is an important platform at CSMT. It provides the easiest access to P D'Mello Road and the Eastern Freeway. This makes it convenient for passengers, especially those with heavy luggage. The platform also handles premium trains like Rajdhani, Vande Bharat, and Shatabdi.
As per a report by HT, the closure is needed for piling and foundation work for an elevated passenger deck. The work will take at least 75 to 80 days of block time. Once completed, the deck will cover all platforms. It will reduce congestion and provide space for ticket booths, waiting areas, food stalls, and retail and entertainment outlets.
The elevated deck above the outstation platforms requires this work, so a full closure is necessary. This may also affect cleaning, maintenance, safety checks, and water refilling for premium trains, which usually take 90 to 120 minutes.
Platform 18 is part of the 11–18 platform group. Together, these platforms handle 40–45 pairs of long-distance services daily. Around 1 lakh people use CSMT each day for long-distance travel. Platform 18 alone serves 6–8 trains every day. Trains that normally use platform 18 will be shifted to other platforms. Central Railway has not confirmed any changes to local train services.
Earlier this year, RLDA worked on platforms 12–13. The project included yard reconstruction, extending platforms to handle 24-coach trains, and a 36-hour block that affected both long-distance and local trains.
The CSMT redevelopment will preserve the UNESCO World Heritage station facade while modernising the hub. Plans include different arrival and departure areas, better accessibility, modern passenger facilities, and a concourse designed like a city centre.
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