Western Railway (WR) is set to launch Mumbai’s first open-air restaurant on wheels at Bandra West station. This innovative project aims to repurpose a retired train coach into a dynamic dining space, combining the charm of railway history with a modern culinary experience.
The newly introduced restaurant will be located near the heritage Bandra station, where a retired train coach has been strategically placed. To make way for this unique venture, an old structure was demolished, and several facilities, including a multifunctional store, a pharmacy, and an ATM block, have been relocated. The restaurant will feature both indoor and outdoor seating areas, offering patrons a chance to dine in a cozy yet vibrant atmosphere. The venue will also have a podium for live music, enhancing the experience with entertainment. The open-air seating and carefully curated themed décor will transform the space into a cultural hub for visitors, where they can enjoy not only delicious food but also live performances.
Apart from offering a unique dining experience, the project aims to address long-standing traffic issues around Bandra station. By utilising this retired train coach for the restaurant, the project will help curb the encroachment of vehicles, particularly autorickshaws that have been a source of congestion near the station. The restaurant is expected to reduce this problem by offering a dedicated and organized space for visitors. Additionally, Bandra station’s cultural appeal is set to increase, with plans underway to convert the space outside Platform 1’s main entrance into an art gallery. This further highlights the station’s potential as a cultural destination in the city.
The restoration of Bandra station itself, which recently cost INR 12 crore, has brought new life to this Grade-1 heritage structure. The station’s stone exterior and stained-glass windows have been carefully restored, and the new restaurant and art gallery ideas will help maintain its cultural vibrancy while giving it a modern touch. While the demolition debris is currently being cleared to prepare for the restaurant’s opening, the initiative promises to not only improve the aesthetics of the station but also bring order to the surrounding area, benefiting both locals and visitors.