Mumbai: Four old shops demolished outside Kurla station to ease commuter congestion

The demolition carried out using a JCB excavator. Pics/By Special Arrangement

Days after a similar exercise outside Bandra station, authorities have demolished four old shops outside Kurla station's west exit as part of an ongoing effort to reclaim space around Mumbai's suburban railway stations and ease pedestrian congestion.

The demolition, carried out using a JCB excavator, targeted structures occupying the circulating area near the busy Pipeline Road junction. Officials said the reclaimed space will be used to improve passenger movement at one of the city's most crowded railway station exits.

The action forms part of a wider initiative to remove long-standing encroachments around railway stations and create safer, more accessible spaces for commuters.

Quick view

Location:
Kurla station, west exit
Structures demolished: 4 shops
Purpose: Improve pedestrian circulation
Key junction affected: Pipeline Road
Next step: Expansion of station circulating area

Why Kurla station matters
>> One of Mumbai's busiest suburban railway stations
>> Thousands of commuters pass through the west exit daily
>> Frequent pedestrian bottlenecks near Pipeline Road junction
>> Narrow circulating area often leads to crowding during peak hours

What will change?
Authorities say the reclaimed land will be used for...
>> Smoother passenger movement
>> Wider circulating area
>> Reduced congestion outside the station
>> Improved commuter safety
>> Better pedestrian access

Voice of citizens

Anil Galgali, Local activist
‘Concern has been raised regarding congestion and pedestrian movement around Kurla West railway station due to old chawl structures and commercial activities near the station. I urge Central Railway to undertake a survey of the area and submit a proposal to the BMC for the creation of open and accessible public space. It has been suggested that an area of approximately 150 metres around the station be examined for improving pedestrian circulation, commuter safety, and public convenience in accordance with applicable laws and planning norms. The objective is to create a safer, more organised, and commuter-friendly environment around one of Mumbai's busy railway stations.'

Jitendra Gupta, Citizen Transport Forum
‘Please also inform the public on what grounds one shop has been able to get a stay order decades back, and why railways are helpless. Will the railways assure the public that no new shop will be authorised on the space that is just cleared? What justification does the railway have for authorising those few new shops that recently mushroomed in open space next to Ram Mahal Hotel, as well as in open space that was earlier used by the charging bike contractor? There is no logic in permitting fresh encroachment that inconveniences free public movement by permitting new shops and then selectively bulldozing old structures in the name of creating space for movement.'