Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT), a UNESCO world heritage site and India’s busiest railway terminus, is being heavily redeveloped. As part of this ₹2,450 crore scheme, Platform 18 will be shut for about two months from October 1, 2025. This is required for the building of an elevated passenger deck as part of efforts to modernize the station while maintaining its historic facade.
Redevelopment Plans and Objectives
The redevelopment plan aims to make CSMT a contemporary transport hub with an airport-like experience for commuters. The raised deck, extending over all platforms, will be used to ease congestion and upgrade passenger facilities. The deck will accommodate ticket counters, waiting rooms, food stalls, shopping malls, and entertainment zones, thus enhancing the overall travelling experience.
To allow the construction of this deck, foundation and piling works will start at Platform 18. Due to the nature of the project, closure of the entire platform is required to maintain efficiency and safety. This work will take around 75–80 days, and during this time Platform 18 will not be available to passengers.
Impact on Train Services
Platform 18 is critical in servicing premium long-distance trains like Rajdhani, Shatabdi, and Vande Bharat trains. When it closes, the trains would be diverted for some time to other platforms. Railway officers have promised that although the shift might result in slight delays in cleaning, maintenance, safety inspection, and water filling—operations that would normally take 90–120 minutes—passenger safety and service standards would not suffer.
Hindustan Times
Challenges and Progress
The redevelopment scheme has encountered a range of challenges, most notably in the initial phase. Work on piling, required to provide the new foundation for the station, has been more sluggish than expected owing to physical limitations at the site. Overhead power cables and tight platforms have restricted the application of large piling rigs, leading to heavy reliance on small, slow-moving machines. Only 15% of the piling has been done so far, against the planned 50%, with work limited to off-peak hours to prevent interference with rail traffic, further keeping the work behind schedule.
Looking Ahead
In spite of the difficulties, redevelopment at CSMT is moving in the right direction. The scheme is designed to improve connectivity and retain the historic character of the station so that it remains a significant mode of transportation for Mumbai. Travelers are advised to keep up with the latest developments and make travel arrangements accordingly to avoid any inconvenience during the redevelopment phase.
