Western Railway to issue tender for Vasai Road coaching terminal within a month

“To run more trains from the Mumbai area, Western Railway is undertaking multiple infrastructure augmentation and capacity enhancement works. In this regard, new terminals are being constructed or planned, such as Jogeshwari and Vasai Road. The Vasai Road project has been recently approved, and further works are in progress. The tendering process will begin soon. In the first phase, the plan is to build a three-line and two-platform island terminal,” said Vineet Abhishek, Chief Public Relations Officer, Western Railway.

Once completed, targeted within two years from the start of construction, the terminal will facilitate an average of 12 passenger trains per day in each direction, substantially increasing the station’s operational capacity compared to the present. No freight operations are projected for the new terminal.

The strategic location of the upcoming terminus near Vasai Road station offers multiple operational benefits. The south- and northbound trains can be accommodated in the facility, enabling more flexible train arrivals and departures. During train disruptions, such as the monsoon, mainline trains bound for Bandra terminus and Mumbai Central can be managed from the Vasai Road Coaching Terminal, reducing interruptions and supporting passenger convenience. Its proximity to city roads and a well-connected road over bridge (ROB) further enhances access for daily passengers.

The terminus will cover a route length of 1.8 km and a total track length of 5.1 km. The estimated cost stands at ₹162.27 crore, with a sanctioned amount of ₹150.26 crore.

Civil works constitute the bulk of expenditure at ₹108.54 crore, while additional allocations cover electrical (₹6.27 crore for general, ₹8.87 crore for traction distribution), mechanical (₹3.34 crore), and signalling (₹23.21 crore) requirements.

The project has a Financial Internal Rate of Return (FIRR) of 16.38 per cent, with a maximum permissible speed of 30 kmph.