This is an archive article published on June 27, 2021
IRSDC to redevelop Andheri station in 2 phases
According to officials, the redeveloped Andheri station will have a concourse on the eastern side that will connect to all foot overbridges (FOBs) and integrate it with the Metro station too.
Andheri station is a major halt for long-distance trains and handles approximately 4.2 lakh passengers per day. (file)
The Andheri railway station set to be redeveloped by the Indian Railway Stations Development Corporation Ltd (IRSDC), a nodal agency and the main Project Development Agency (PDA) for the redevelopment of railway stations in the country. Located in the western suburbs of the city, the station will be redeveloped in two phases.
One of the busiest stations on the Western Railway network, Andheri station serves two major railway lines: the Harbour Line that runs towards Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus or Panvel, and the Western Line connecting Churchgate and Dahanu. The Versova–Andheri–Ghatkopar Metro Line (Blue Line 1) station is situated next to the station on the east side.
According to officials, the redeveloped Andheri station will have a concourse on the eastern side that will connect to all foot overbridges (FOBs) and integrate it with the Metro station too. The entry to the station, along with drop-offs/pick-ups, has been planned on Versova Marg Road to ease the congestion at the existing entrance. The deck, officials said, will also be fully integrated with skywalks on Swami Nityananda Marg Road.
The station roof, planned above the suburban platforms, will be akin to that of the Churchgate and CSMT stations and stop rainwater and direct sunlight. The station premises will be disabled-friendly and redeveloped on a green building concept, with a modern Building Management System integrated with CCTV and other systems. Above the concourse level, the IRSDC plans to undertake some commercial development.
“In addition to Andheri, IRSDC will be redeveloping Dadar, Kalyan, Thakurli, Bandra, CSMT, Thane and Borivali stations in Mumbai. The work across these projects is at different stages and is expected to be completed within the stipulated timeframe. The redevelopment of these stations will boost realty prospects and usher a socio-economic transformation,” S K Lohia, the managing director and CEO of IRSDC said.
The overall area of redevelopment, IRSDC officials said, is 4.31 acres, of which 2.1 acres will be developed in phase 1. The project cost for phase 1 redevelopment is Rs 218 crore. The ISRDC will adopt a DBFOT (Design, Build, Finance, Operate and Transfer) redevelopment model and a proposal for the same has been processed for in-principle approval of the competent authority.
Andheri station is a major halt for long-distance trains and handles approximately 4.2 lakh passengers per day.
Story continues below this ad
It has nine platforms with platforms No 8 and 9 dedicated for long-distance trains and the remaining for suburban trains
Vallabh Ozarkar is a Senior Correspondent with The Indian Express' Mumbai bureau, recognized as an authoritative and deeply knowledgeable voice on the politics, governance, and infrastructure of Maharashtra. With approximately seven years of experience in major news organizations, his reporting delivers high standards of Expertise and Trustworthiness.
Expertise & Authority
Current Role: Senior Correspondent, The Indian Express, Mumbai bureau.
Geographical Specialization: Provides exclusive and detailed coverage of Maharashtra politics and governance, operating at the epicenter of the state's decision-making in Mumbai.
Core Authority: His reporting demonstrates deep Expertise across critical and often complex state matters, including:
Political Dynamics: In-depth analysis of the ruling coalition (Mahayuti) and opposition (MVA), internal party conflicts, and crucial election updates, including local body polls and municipal corporation tussles.
Governance & Policy: Focused coverage on significant state policies, such as the overhaul of Mumbai's 'pagdi system' (rent control for old buildings) and social welfare schemes (e.g., Ladki Bahin Yojana accountability).
Infrastructure & Development: Reports on major urban and regional infrastructure projects, including the Mumbai Water Metro, Uttan-Virar Sea Link, and Thane Metro development.
Administrative Oversight: Follows legislative actions, cabinet decisions, and reports on issues of accountability and alleged fraud within state departments.
Experience
Current Role: His role at The Indian Express—a leading national daily—validates the credibility and standard of his reporting.
Career Foundation: Prior to The Indian Express, Vallabh contributed to other major metropolitan news outlets, including the Mumbai Mirror and DNA - Daily News & Analysis, providing a solid foundation in rigorous urban and political journalism.
Evidence of Impact: His work consistently breaks down complex political developments and administrative failures, such as exposing discrepancies in government welfare schemes, cementing his reputation as a trusted source for ground-level, impactful news from Maharashtra.
He tweets @Ozarkarvallabh ... Read More