2.5-L-sqm at Sobo stations to be developed commercially
MUMBAI:IN what can be a called a major redevelopment plan of the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT), the Indian Rail Station Development Corporation (ISRDC) will be shifting the existing suburban harbour railway lines of the terminus to the P D’mello entrance of the railway station.
A city centre rail mall will be constructed at CSMT along with other commercial developments at the terminus, Byculla railway station and Central Railway’s Wadi Bunder railway yard.
Nearly 2.5 lakh square metres (sqm) of land will be used by ISRDC for the commercial developments of which 1.3 lakh sqm is at CSMT, 80,000 sqm at Byculla and 30,000 sqm at Wadi Bunder, according to the information available.
Passengers travelling from CSMT will also have to pay a fee, a user charge, as commercial developments will also be provided at the terminus.
“A user fee will be charged. The pricing will be decided by the ministry of railways. The redeveloped station building has to function like a city centre rail mall where, in addition to a passenger’s transportation needs, his daily needs such as retail, food and beverages, entertainment and souvenir shopping are also fulfilled,” said Sanjeev Kumar Lohia, managing director, ISRDC.
The ₹1,642-crore redevelopment work is expected to start by next year and is targeted to be completed in the span of four years. Outstation terminus along with harbour railway will be operated from the P D’mello entrance of the terminus.
Other developments that will be done on the terminus include restoration of heritage structures along with the creation of a concourse area with separate arrivals and departures. Commercial
kiosks at platforms, pick up and drop services of cabs at the P D’mello entrance of the terminus will also be provided.
The development will be undertaken in two phases — phase one will involve shifting of railway offices from CSMT, construction of offices and commercial establishments, while the second stage will involve the segregation of traffic along with other development works at the terminus.