Mumbai News: Western Railway is moving ahead with plans to introduce a new long-distance railway terminus in Mumbai, marking a significant step in reshaping the city’s rail infrastructure. The upcoming terminus at Jogeshwari in the western suburbs is expected to be operational by mid-2026 and is designed to ease mounting pressure on some of the city’s most crowded railway stations. The project reflects a broader effort to decentralize long-distance train operations and improve travel convenience for passengers living away from South Mumbai.

Background of the Jogeshwari Terminus Project

The project is being developed by Western Railway at an existing auxiliary terminal yard in Jogeshwari. At present, this yard is used only for stabling and parking trains and does not handle passenger movement. Under the new plan, the space will be transformed into a fully functional passenger terminus capable of originating and terminating long-distance trains. This change will allow the western suburbs to directly connect with major destinations across the country without relying solely on traditional hubs.

Reducing Pressure on Overcrowded Stations

Mumbai’s long-distance rail traffic is currently concentrated at a few major stations such as Dadar, Mumbai Central, and Bandra Terminus. These locations operate close to their maximum capacity on most days, leading to congestion, operational strain, and inconvenience for travelers. By introducing a terminus at Jogeshwari, railway authorities aim to redistribute passenger load more evenly across the city. This shift is expected to improve punctuality, platform availability, and overall passenger experience at existing terminals.

Project Cost and Investment Details

The estimated cost of developing the Jogeshwari terminus stands at approximately Rs 76.48 crore. This investment covers passenger platforms, track realignment, signaling adjustments, and essential support infrastructure. Railway officials view the expenditure as a long-term investment that will deliver operational flexibility and support future growth in long-distance rail demand from the western suburbs.

Revised Timeline After Initial Delays

Originally, the terminus was scheduled for completion by December 2024. However, progress was affected by site-specific challenges and contractual issues, leading to unavoidable delays. After reassessing the situation, Western Railway revised the timeline. The first phase of the project is now targeted for commissioning by June 2026, with subsequent expansion planned thereafter.

Phase I Development and Operational Scope

In the first phase, Jogeshwari will be developed as a full coaching terminal with two passenger platforms. One platform will be located on the station side, while the second will be positioned between two tracks. This configuration allows up to three long-distance trains to be handled simultaneously. Once Phase I becomes operational, the terminus is expected to manage around 12 pairs of long-distance trains each day, offering immediate relief to existing terminals.

Phase II Expansion and Final Capacity

Phase II of the project has already been approved under Western Railway’s 2024–25 development plan. This stage includes the addition of another passenger platform, two extra tracks, and supporting facilities such as a pit line and a shunting neck. The second phase is scheduled for completion by March 2027. After both phases are fully implemented, the Jogeshwari terminus will have the capacity to handle nearly 24 long-distance trains daily, significantly boosting Mumbai’s rail handling capability.

Benefits for Western Suburb Commuters

For passengers living in the western suburbs, the new terminus represents improved accessibility and reduced travel time within the city. Instead of commuting to crowded central stations, travelers will be able to board and disembark long-distance trains closer to home. Railway officials believe this will enhance passenger convenience, reduce road traffic around major stations, and create a more balanced urban transport system across Mumbai.

A Strategic Step in Mumbai’s Rail Future

The Jogeshwari terminus is part of a wider strategy to spread long-distance train operations across multiple locations in the city. By leveraging underused railway land and modern terminal design, Western Railway aims to future-proof Mumbai’s rail network. As travel demand continues to rise, such projects are expected to play a crucial role in maintaining efficiency, comfort, and reliability for millions of rail passengers.