Daijiworld Media Network – Mumbai
Mumbai, Jul 16: Long-distance trains are expected to originate from the upcoming Jogeshwari Junction from January 2027, with the station also set to be developed into a modern multimodal transport hub, Western Railway (WR) officials said.
The assurance was given by WR General Manager Ramashray Pandey during a review meeting with Mumbai North West MP Ravindra Waikar to discuss pending railway projects and commuter-related issues in the constituency.
The meeting was attended by senior WR officials, including DGM (General) Ujjwal Dev and Secretary Sachin Sharma, along with local public representatives and civic leaders.
Pandey also assured the MP that a joint inspection of Andheri and Jogeshwari railway stations would be conducted once a suitable date is finalised.
The proposed Jogeshwari Junction is being planned as a major transport hub, providing seamless connectivity between suburban rail services, long-distance trains, Metro networks and other modes of public transport. The project will also include parking facilities for cars and two-wheelers.
Officials said the second phase of the project may include the development of a hotel and shopping mall, subject to technical and financial feasibility.
During the meeting, railway officials also reviewed several ongoing infrastructure projects. The 7.08-km Goregaon-Borivli Harbour Line extension, estimated to cost Rs 898.29 crore, is targeted for completion by March 2029.
Platform extension works at Andheri station have been completed to facilitate 15-car local train operations, while work is underway to extend platforms on the slow corridor between Bandra and Andheri.
To improve passenger convenience, an additional lift at Andheri station is expected to become operational by October 2026. Approval has also been granted for two new escalators at Andheri and one additional escalator at Jogeshwari, with all installations scheduled for completion by June 2027.
An escalator has also been sanctioned for the Subhash Nagar foot overbridge and is expected to be completed by June 2027.
MP Ravindra Waikar offered to utilise MPLADS funds for the construction of passenger amenities, including toilets, waiting rooms and breastfeeding rooms at railway stations in the Mumbai North West constituency.
Railway officials informed the meeting that while 1,894 Railway Protection Force (RPF) personnel are required for stations in the area, only 1,409 are currently deployed, leaving a shortfall of 485 personnel.
Officials also said the national railway helpline number 139 continues to handle passenger complaints, while ambulance services are currently available at Andheri and Goregaon stations in coordination with the Maharashtra government. A similar facility is also being considered for Jogeshwari station.