Mumbai’s iconic Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) is undergoing a transformative redevelopment to align its heritage charm with 21st-century functionality. The ₹2,450 crore project promises state-of-the-art facilities, featuring elevated decks, a multilevel mall, and enhanced passenger amenities, setting a new standard for Indian railway infrastructure.
Central to the revamp is the construction of multiple elevated decks designed to streamline passenger movement above the outstation platforms. The station will feature an impressive infrastructure upgrade, including 100 lifts, 75 escalators, and 10 travelators, ensuring seamless connectivity for commuters. Additionally, a multilevel car park with a capacity for 1,700 vehicles is being built to cater to growing transportation needs. The redevelopment introduces two levels of elevated concourses with unique functionalities. The first floor will host ticket-booking counters, air-conditioned waiting lounges, food stalls, and other passenger amenities. Meanwhile, the second floor will serve as a city centre, complete with shopping malls, restaurants, entertainment hubs, and tourist-friendly areas. A 25-metre-long footbridge will connect the decks, enhancing pedestrian mobility.
The DN Road-side elevated deck will cater to daily commuters with provisions like food stalls, ticket counters, Automatic Ticket Vending Machines (ATVMs), and ample seating. The project aims to balance functionality with aesthetics, preserving the station’s heritage structure while developing the airspace into an integrated passenger hub. The CSMT redevelopment is part of the RailOPolis initiative, envisioned as a smart city hub combining transport, retail, and entertainment. Inspired by an aerial photograph from the 1930s and a masterplan designed by French Railways, the station will serve as a multimodal integration hub, fulfilling commuters’ travel and daily needs in one location.
The redesign focuses on sustainability and accessibility, ensuring energy efficiency, disabled-friendly infrastructure, and the restoration of the UNESCO-listed heritage site. Passenger movement will also be segregated, with distinct entry and exit points to enhance operational efficiency. After nearly 120 years, CSMT is set to redefine urban transit, offering a blend of modernity and heritage. The ambitious project underscores the importance of preserving historical architecture while embracing cutting-edge urban design. As Mumbai’s busiest rail terminus, CSMT’s redevelopment represents a milestone in the evolution of India’s railway infrastructure.
