Statistics have revealed a significant decrease in the number of passengers at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT), known as the busiest railway station in Mumbai. In the year 2022–23, approximately 420 million passengers traveled from CSMT station. However, by October of the financial year 2025–26, this number has come down to 240 million. Notably, the same situation is observed at the major 10 railway stations of Central Railway. Despite this, the question arises, “How is the crowd still persistent even though the number of passengers has decreased?” as there is a huge crowd in local trains during peak hours in the morning and evening.
The Central Railway network extends from CSMT to Khopoli, Asangaon, Panvel, as well as from Nerul to Kharkopar and Thane to Panvel. Approximately 3.8 million passengers travel daily on these routes through 1,810 local train services. Before the pandemic, nearly 4.2 million passengers traveled daily on the Central Railway. Although the number of passengers is gradually returning to pre-pandemic levels, it has not yet fully reached 4.2 million. However, the crowd in suburban local trains is increasing day by day.
According to experts, a major reason behind this is the change in workplaces. Many large offices and IT companies have relocated or newly started in areas like BKC, Andheri, Goregaon, Bandra-Kurla Complex. As a result, the number of passengers traveling at specific times has increased, and the crowd during peak hours is intensifying.
Boarding and alighting from local trains is also challenging
Boarding and alighting from local trains in the morning and evening has become a major challenge for passengers. A severe example of this was seen at Mumbra station in the month of June. A serious accident occurred when the bags of passengers hanging from the doors of two local trains running on the up and down fast tracks got stuck. After this incident, the issue of overcrowding in local trains came to the forefront once again. However, the railway ticket sales figures present a different picture.
Meanwhile, some positive steps are being taken by Western Railway to reduce passenger congestion. The work on the sixth track between Kandivali and Borivali is progressing rapidly, and after its completion, 22 new local services will be started between Borivali and Churchgate. This service is likely to be available from January and will be included in the new timetable.
22 new local services between Borivali and Churchgate from January
Western Railway is rapidly progressing the work on the sixth line between Kandivali and Borivali. Once completed, the number of local train services between Borivali and Churchgate will increase by 22, significantly improving passenger convenience. This service is expected to be available in January. It will soon be reflected in the new timetable. It is noteworthy that the completion of this project has been awaited for a long time. A senior official of Western Railway stated that the work is being done with utmost precision to minimize passenger inconvenience. Additionally, the long-pending work to enhance the passenger capacity of the suburban railway network is also being strengthened.