Western Railway Boosts Bandra Terminus Capacity With New Pit Line, Eyes Vande Bharat Operations; See Pics

Western Railway (WR) has increased its train maintenance capacity by 10% at Bandra Terminus following the recent commissioning of a new pit line. The addition raises the number of functional pit lines at the terminus from three to four, enhancing the station's ability to handle more trains daily.

An official from Western Railway confirmed that the new pit line allows for the examination and maintenance of three additional trains daily. Currently , the terminus handled 23 trains on average per day, with nine trains maintained through the three existing pit lines, The remaining trains were serviced as platform returns due to limited pit line capacity

"From Wednesday, one more pit line has been commissioned, which means the maintenance capacity for three more trains daily has increased at Bandra Terminus, paving the way for the operation of new trains to start from Bandra Terminus."said an official.

"The expansion will improve operational efficiency and enable Bandra Terminus to accommodate up to 03 more trains for maintenance each day," the official said. "Further construction of two additional pit lines is currently underway and is expected to be completed in the next three to four months. Once operational, the total maintenance capacity will double to 18 trains daily."

The upgrade is part of a broader initiative by Western Railway to enhance infrastructure across its network, particularly to support the growing fleet of Vande Bharat trains. Notably, the new pit lines at Bandra Terminus are being equipped to maintain Vande Bharat trains. At present, Mumbai Central is the only facility in the Western Railway's Mumbai division capable of servicing these semi-high-speed trains.

"This development is crucial for future operations," the official added. "It means Vande Bharat trains can potentially be operated from Bandra Terminus, which would reduce the burden on Mumbai Central and allow for better resource distribution."

Bandra Terminus plays a key role in Mumbai’s rail network, offering vital connectivity to regions in northwest and central India. "The ongoing infrastructure enhancement is expected to improve train turnaround times, ensure better maintenance, and ultimately lead to a more seamless travel experience for passengers" said Vineet Abhishek, Chief Public relations officer of Western Railway.

Highlights Of The Project

Work Commencement: August 1

Cost of the project ( Three pit lines): Rs 44 crores

Pit Line Work Status

First Pit line commissioned on Wednesday 

Work on the second and third pit line is one expected to commissioned in next three to four months gradually

Pit Line Details

Total length of all three pit lines: 540 meters.

Train Operations at Bandra Station: Number of trains departing from Bandra Station on Ave daily 23, out of 23, 9 trains are being maintained daily at Bandra terminus, remaining trains are platform return.

Average daily passengers at Bandra terminus: Around 40000.