Additional platforms, wider foot overbridges, improved multimodal connectivity and passenger-friendly infrastructure planned as Railways prepares for growing tourism and business travel

New Delhi, June 15, 2026: Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has reviewed the master plans for the redevelopment of three high-footfall railway stations—Borivali, Ambala Cantonment and Mangaluru Central—emphasizing that construction activities must be carried out without causing inconvenience to passengers or disrupting train operations.

The proposed upgrades focus on capacity expansion, passenger convenience, seamless multimodal integration and future-ready infrastructure to accommodate rising demand from leisure travellers, business commuters and regional transport users.

Minister of State for Railways Ravneet Singh Bittu and senior railway officials participated in the review meeting.

Key Highlights

• Borivali, Ambala Cantonment and Mangaluru Central stations to undergo major redevelopment
• Additional platforms planned at all three stations to accommodate future growth
• Wider Foot Over Bridges (FOBs), new entry and exit points, escalators and lifts proposed
• Kandivali station to be developed alongside Borivali to ease congestion on Mumbai’s Western Railway corridor
• Ambala to get two new platforms and a 12-metre-wide FOB
• Mangaluru Central to receive two new platforms and a new 6-metre-wide FOB
• Focus on seamless passenger movement, multimodal integration and accessibility
• Railways aims to ensure minimal disruption during construction works

Railways Targets Capacity Expansion and Better Passenger Experience

During the review, Ashwini Vaishnaw stressed that station redevelopment must address both current congestion and future traffic growth while maintaining smooth daily operations.

The minister emphasized a design philosophy centred on passenger convenience, accessibility, quality construction and efficient utilization of public funds. Railway officials were directed to incorporate inputs from elected representatives, local authorities and state governments during the planning process to ensure station upgrades align with regional requirements.

The projects will include wider circulation areas, enhanced platform connectivity, additional station access points and improved integration with surrounding transport systems.

Borivali and Kandivali to Form Integrated Mobility Hub

One of the most significant decisions emerging from the review was the parallel development of Kandivali station alongside Borivali to reduce congestion on one of Mumbai’s busiest suburban corridors.

Borivali currently handles around 191 long-distance train services and nearly 1,200 suburban services daily, serving approximately 365,000 passengers every day.

The redevelopment plan includes:

• One additional platform
• Expanded concourse areas
• New lifts and escalators
• Improved foot overbridges and skywalks
• Enhanced passenger circulation systems
• Expanded parking facilities

With Kandivali located just two kilometres away and possessing adequate railway land for future expansion, Indian Railways plans to distribute passenger traffic more efficiently between the two stations.

The integrated development strategy is expected to strengthen east-west connectivity, improve metro integration and create a more seamless multimodal transport ecosystem in Mumbai’s northern suburbs.

Ambala Cantonment Set for Major Upgrade

Ambala Cantonment, one of North India’s key railway junctions, currently handles 328 train services and over 44,000 passengers daily.

To support future traffic growth, the redevelopment plan proposes:

• Two new full-length platforms
• A new 12-metre-wide Foot Over Bridge
• Additional escalators and lifts
• Refurbished platforms
• New platform shelters
• Improved parking facilities

The project is expected to improve accessibility for senior citizens, Divyangjan passengers and travellers carrying luggage while enhancing operational efficiency and passenger comfort.

Mangaluru Central to Strengthen Coastal Connectivity

Mangaluru Central, an important gateway to Karnataka’s coastal tourism and business destinations, will also receive significant infrastructure upgrades.

The station currently handles approximately 50 train services and over 28,000 passengers daily.

Planned improvements include:

• Two new full-length platforms
• A new 6-metre-wide Foot Over Bridge
• Upgraded platform shelters
• Additional escalators and lifts
• Improved passenger amenities

The redevelopment aims to support future passenger growth while improving station accessibility and travel convenience.

Impact on Travel and Tourism

The station modernization programme comes at a time when domestic tourism and rail-based travel continue to grow rapidly across India.

Borivali serves as a major gateway for travellers entering Mumbai, Ambala functions as an important transit hub for travellers heading to Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh and Jammu, while Mangaluru connects visitors to Karnataka’s coastal tourism circuit, including beaches, pilgrimage centres and wellness destinations.

Enhanced station infrastructure, smoother passenger movement and improved accessibility can significantly improve the travel experience, particularly for families, senior citizens and group travellers who rely heavily on rail transport.

What It Means for Hospitality and Business Travel

For hotels, resorts, tourism operators and convention venues, improved railway infrastructure translates into stronger destination accessibility and greater visitor movement.

The redevelopment of these stations is expected to support:

• Increased domestic tourism flows
• Better access to hospitality destinations
• Improved MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions) travel
• Enhanced regional connectivity
• Stronger multimodal transport integration
• Greater passenger comfort and convenience

As Indian Railways continues its large-scale station modernization programme, projects such as Borivali, Ambala and Mangaluru highlight the growing role of transportation infrastructure in supporting tourism growth, business mobility and regional economic development.

The proposals will now move to the next stage of detailed planning, stakeholder consultation and implementation before construction begins.