Local train services between Goregaon and Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) on the Western line will remain suspended for three months to facilitate work on the 5th and 6th lines. As part of the project, the Bandra–Khar railway bridge will be demolished to make way for the new tracks, and a block will be taken for its reconstruction. Senior railway officials told Lokmat that planning is underway and the shutdown will be implemented soon.
Western Railway (WR) is currently developing a new line between Mumbai Central and Borivali. While the 5th and 6th lines already exist from Bandra to Borivali, the stretch between Mahim and Santacruz has been stuck due to lack of space. A 6-month block was originally proposed for this work in 2024, but the duration has now been reduced to three months to minimise inconvenience to commuters. The project cost is Rs 964.84 crore and is expected to be completed by December 2027.
At present, 88 local services runs between Goregaon and CSMT, and 106 operate between Bandra and CSMT. About 3.62 lakh passengers rely on this corridor daily, including those travelling via Dadar, Prabhadevi, Mahim and Vasai Road. During the block, most local services on the Goregaon–CSMT route will be suspended, affecting lakhs of commuters. Limited services between Bandra and CSMT may continue.
Railway officials said that once the 5th and 6th lines are completed, local services will run more smoothly between Churchgate and Borivali and further up to CSMT. Additional trips can also be introduced up to Virar. However, commuters should prepare for a difficult three-month period until the project progresses.
A Western Railway official added that the 5th line on the eastern side of Bandra was built several years ago, but political and local opposition prevented it from being made operational. Built at a cost of about Rs 10 crore in 2017-18, the line could have reduced the need to demolish the bridge today and avoided the three-month shutdown of Goregaon–CSMT services.
Western Railway’s Chief Public Relations Officer Vineet Abhishek said the project is crucial and will significantly boost the system’s capacity once completed. A start date has not been finalised, but planning is focused on minimising passenger inconvenience.