Mumbai Mega Terminal Project Derailed by Land Acquisition Hurdles

Central Railways’ ambitious endeavour to construct mega terminals across the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR) to cater to the escalating demand for train travel has encountered a significant setback due to the acute shortage of land in Maharashtra’s rapidly urbanising areas.

In line with the Indian Railways’ strategy to establish mega railway terminals with multi-modal connectivity in cities with a population exceeding 10 lakh nationwide, Central Railways had earmarked six potential locations for these mega terminals: Panvel, Kalyan, Kalamboli, Dombivli, Thane, and Parel. Despite identifying these sites, the execution of the plan has been impeded by the unavailability of suitable land. Each mega terminus requires approximately 7.5 acres of land to accommodate essential infrastructure, including platforms, maintenance facilities, and stabling lines. A senior Central Railways official acknowledged the challenges, stating, “Although four out of the six shortlisted locations seem viable for mega terminals, none possess the necessary land availability.”

The pressing need for additional terminal stations arises from the existing ones reaching saturation, leading to increased waitlisted passengers and operational constraints. With around 300 long-distance trains operating from terminal stations like CSMT, Dadar, and Lokmanya Tilak Terminus, the introduction of 20 pairs of services at each new mega terminus is projected to enhance capacity by 50%. However, the quest for suitable land has proven daunting, especially in heavily built-up areas where greenfield projects like mega terminals necessitate substantial vacant land. Despite considering alternatives beyond the initially proposed sites, such as Panvel, Ambernath, or Titwala, acquiring land remains a formidable challenge. The envisioned mega terminals aim not only to bolster transportation capacity but also to enhance passenger convenience and promote economic growth in aspirational cities across the country. These terminals will offer modern amenities, parking facilities, and seamless connectivity to elevate the overall travel experience for passengers. As Central Railways grapples with the land acquisition hurdles, the realisation of its mega terminal vision hinges on innovative solutions and collaborative efforts to overcome the existing challenges and propel the project forward.