Chinchpokli, Matunga, Parel Among 15 Stations Upgraded Under Amrit Bharat Scheme in Maharashtra

Maharashtra’s railway network is witnessing one of its biggest transformation phases under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme (ABSS)—an ambitious nationwide initiative aimed at modernizing 1,337 stations across India. Among these, 132 stations are located in Maharashtra, making the state one of the largest beneficiaries of this long-term redevelopment programme.

The progress on the ground has been remarkable. As of now, 15 stations in Maharashtra have already completed their planned upgrades, including key suburban stations such as Chinchpokli, Matunga, Parel, Vadala Road, and Shahad. These suburban stations play a crucial role in the daily commute of lakhs of Mumbaikars, and the improvements are designed to enhance comfort, safety, and accessibility for passengers.

At the same time, redevelopment work is advancing rapidly at several other major stations across the state. From upgraded foot over bridges to modernized waiting halls and improved station buildings, the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme is redefining the railway travel experience for passengers in Maharashtra.

What Is the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme?

Launched by the Ministry of Railways, the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme focuses on phased, long-term, sustainable development of railway stations. Rather than simply renovating select parts of a station, the scheme involves creating a master plan that looks at future passenger needs, operational efficiency, multimodal connectivity, and better integration with surrounding city infrastructure.

The redevelopment plan includes:

• Upgrade of station buildings
• Improved circulating and access areas
• Modern waiting halls, toilets, and drinking water booths
• Wider and safer foot over bridges/air concourses
• High-quality platform surfaces and extended platform shelters
• Lifts, escalators, and ramps for seamless accessibility
• Enhanced passenger information systems
• Spaces for local products under the One Station, One Product initiative
• Better parking, landscaping, illumination, and environmental sustainability features
• With this scheme, railway stations are envisioned not merely as transit points, but as urban hubs equipped to handle future population growth and passenger expectations.

15 Stations Completed in Maharashtra Under the Amrit Bharat Scheme

Indian Railways has confirmed that upgrade works at the following 15 stations in Maharashtra have been completed:

Amgaon, Chanda Fort, Chinchpokli, Devlali, Dhule, Kedgaon, Lasalgaon, Lonand Junction, Matunga, Murtizapur Junction, Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Itwari Junction, Parel, Savda, Shahad, Vadala Road

Several of these are part of Mumbai’s heavily used suburban system, including Chinchpokli, Matunga, Parel, and Vadala Road. These stations serve thousands of daily commuters, and the upgrades help ease congestion, improve station circulation, and provide a cleaner and safer environment.

Why Chinchpokli, Matunga, and Parel Matter for Mumbai’s Daily Commuters

The inclusion of these suburban stations under the scheme is highly significant for Mumbai’s local train network.

Chinchpokli Station

Located centrally on the Central Line, Chinchpokli serves office-goers and residents in Lower Parel and Lalbaug. The upgrades—such as improved station building, platform surfaces, and lighting—directly support smoother passenger flow during peak hours.

Matunga Station

Known for its proximity to educational institutions and residential clusters, Matunga has received facility enhancements such as upgraded waiting areas, platform shelters, and improved accessibility features.

Parel Station

A critical interchange point between Central and Western lines, Parel often witnesses heavy footfall. Better platform layout, signage, circulation areas, and improved station amenities help reduce overcrowding and enhance commuter safety.

Vadala Road & Shahad

These stations, part of rapidly developing neighbourhoods and suburban zones, have been upgraded to support rising passenger numbers and future transport integration plans.

Ongoing Progress at Other Key Maharashtra Stations

While 15 stations have already completed redevelopment, work is progressing rapidly across the state. According to Indian Railways, several stations have reached the final stages of development, with finishing work underway.

✦ Wathar Station – Major Improvements Completed

Upgrades include:

• New portico and improved station building
• Water booths and entrance gate upgrades
• Parking and circulating area enhancement
• Platform shelter on Platform No. 1
• Improved waiting rooms and illumination

✦ Nandgaon Station – Structural Upgrades Completed

Completed elements:

• Entrance and exit gates
• Platform surfacing and shelter
• Booking office renovation
• New boundary wall, FOB, and signage
• Circulating and parking area improvements

✦ Nandura Station – Almost Complete

Enhancements include:

• New booking office and entrance gate
• Waiting hall and toilet modernization
• Signage, coach indicators, and illumination
• Improved platform surfaces and compound area

✦ Hadapsar Station – A Major Transformation

Hadapsar is one of the most significant redevelopment projects with:

• A new station building and spacious waiting hall
• 12-meter-wide foot over bridge
• Platform shelters, lifts, escalators
• Underground water tank, landscaping, and improved lighting

✦ Baramati Station – Upgraded Passenger Facilities

Completed upgrades:

• New platform shelter and improved booking office
• Better waiting rooms, toilets, and water booths
• Renovated circulating area and portico
• Enhanced lighting and signage

132 Maharashtra Stations Identified Under the Amrit Bharat Scheme

Maharashtra has one of the largest station lists under ABSS, covering major junctions, suburban stations, and regional hubs. The 132 stations include:

Mumbai stations such as CSMT, Dadar (CR & WR), Andheri, Bandra Terminus, Borivali, Vasai Road, Kurla Junction, Thane, Kalyan Junction, Byculla, Jogeshwari, Grant Road, Lower Parel, Marine Lines, and many others.

Regional hubs like Nagpur Junction, Pune Junction, Solapur, Latur, Jalgaon, Bhusawal, Kolhapur, Miraj Junction are also included.

This extensive list ensures that railway infrastructure across urban and rural Maharashtra receives consistent and sustainable upgrades in the coming years.

Funding & Development Priorities

Station redevelopment under ABSS is executed primarily through Plan Head 53 – Customer Amenities. Between the last three financial years and the current year (up to October 2025), ₹11,190 crore has been allocated, and ₹9,198 crore has already been utilized.

The priority is given to:

• Stations with higher passenger traffic
• Important junctions and suburban stations
• Locations with significant operational or safety requirements

Development timelines vary due to challenges such as heritage clearances, shifting underground utilities, and maintaining normal train operations during construction.

Why the Amrit Bharat Scheme Matters for Maharashtra

Maharashtra’s railway stations are some of the busiest in India, especially in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region. With passenger numbers increasing every year, modern and well-equipped stations are essential to:

• Reduce congestion
• Improve safety
• Enhance travel comfort
• Support multimodal connectivity
• Promote local businesses
• Prepare for future railway expansion plans

For daily local train commuters, the scheme’s impact is already visible through cleaner platforms, wider shelters, easier movement, and better accessibility features.

The Road Ahead

Indian Railways is continuing to accelerate redevelopment across Maharashtra. As more stations complete upgrades under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme, passengers can expect a vastly improved travel experience, better station facilities, and smoother mobility across suburban and long-distance networks.

While the timelines depend on safety clearances and construction feasibility, the long-term vision is clear—transform Maharashtra’s railway stations into vibrant, modern, commuter-friendly spaces that reflect the future of India’s transportation infrastructure.