Mumbai: Bandra model for Borivali? MLA proposes major station area overhaul

The organised commuter precinct outside Bandra West station, seen as a model for proposed Borivli station upgrade. File pic/Nimesh Dave

Borivali station's chaotic entry points may soon see a Bandra-style makeover. After visiting the redeveloped Bandra West precinct, MLA Sanjay Upadhyay (BJP) has proposed a similar commuter-friendly redesign with organised auto stands, bus bays, and pedestrian space for one of Mumbai's busiest suburban stations.

Model that is being studied: Bandra West

Crowding and traffic congestion outside Borivli station's East side highlight the need for a planned commuter precinct. Pics/Satej Shinde

Before redevelopment
>> Chaotic rickshaw queues
>> Narrow pedestrian space
>> Mixed traffic congestion

Congestion outside Borivali station's West side highlights the need for planned commuter space. Pic/Satej Shinde

After redevelopment
>> Defined auto and share-rickshaw stands
>> Marked BEST bus halts
>> Wider pedestrian zones
>> Smoother traffic circulation

Mixed traffic and pedestrian spillover outside Borivali West side underscore calls for a Bandra-style redesign

Why this matters

Borivli is among the city's highest-footfall stations, yet the areas outside both East and West exits remain:
>> Crowded
>> Encroached by hawkers
>> Choked with rickshaws
>> Unsafe for pedestrians

Upadhyay said, "Borivali sees even higher footfall than Bandra. It needs proper auto stands, bus stops and space for commuters to move comfortably."

MLA Sanjay Upadhyay recently visited the precinct outside Bandra West railway station. Pic/X/@SanjayRupadhyay

What's being planned

>> Proposed upgrades
>> Organised auto-rickshaw stand
>> Marked BEST bus bays
>> Clear pedestrian movement zones
>> Removal of bottlenecks near station exits
>> Funding source: MLA development funds
Next step: Proposal to be taken up with the Railway Ministry and state authorities

Current ground reality: Borivali

>> East & West exits today
>> Hawker encroachments dominate footpaths
>> Rickshaws block entry lanes
>> Wrong-side driving common
>> Passenger overcrowding spills onto roads
>> Traffic flow largely unmanaged
>> Commuters report daily congestion and safety risks.