Mumbai Rail Overhaul: CSMT Redevelopment, Rs 16,240 Crore Investment For 300 km New Tracks And More

Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw unveiled plans for the redevelopment of Mumbai’s iconic Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) Railway Station.

The project seeks to maintain the station's UNESCO World Heritage status while introducing state-of-the-art facilities, achieving a balance between preserving its historical significance and addressing modern transportation needs.

Vaishnaw emphasised the dual focus of the redevelopment. “CSMT is a heritage station. It is being designed to preserve its historical essence while equipping it with modern facilities,” he said.

The redevelopment plan, crafted with input from global designers and local experts, includes enhanced passenger amenities, such as spacious waiting areas, while retaining the station’s architectural grandeur.

Work on the project has commenced, with older structures being replaced to accommodate new construction. Vaishnaw assured that the project is progressing rapidly, highlighting CSMT as a model for redevelopment among 132 stations undergoing upgrades nationwide.

Boosting Mumbai’s Rail Network

In addition to the CSMT redevelopment, Vaishnaw announced key measures to enhance Mumbai’s local train network under the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Increased Train Frequency: The city will see 300 additional trains, increasing the daily operation from 3,200 to 3,500.

Advanced Signaling Technology: The introduction of Kavach 5.0 signaling will reduce the time gap between trains from 180 seconds to 150 seconds, increasing capacity by 15 percent

“With these initiatives, along with the expansion of metro and coastal roads, transportation and commuting will improve significantly for Mumbaikars,” Vaishnaw stated.

To further establish Mumbai as a global leader in creative industries, Vaishnaw announced the establishment of the Indian Institute of Creative Technology (IICT), reports ANI.

Modeled after premier institutions like IITs and IIMs, the IICT will focus on creative technology in fields such as filmmaking and digital media, inspired by the success of Indian films like *RRR* and *Kantara*.

The Maharashtra Government has allocated land for the institute in Goregaon, and construction will begin after the upcoming elections. Vaishnaw called the institute a “benchmark for the world” in creative technology.