Mumbai: GRP station relocation paves way for major upgrades at Dadar junction

The GRP station on Dadar’s Platform 9A, soon to be demolished to widen the congested platform. Pic/By Special Arrangement

The relocation of the Government Railway Police (GRP) station from Dadar's Platform 9 to a newly constructed building has finally cleared the way for long-awaited upgrades at the overcrowded junction. With the shift complete, the old GRP office on Platform 9A will now be demolished, allowing Central Railway to widen the congested platform, add a new staircase, and create more circulating space for commuters.

"The move is expected to significantly ease crowding at one of Mumbai's busiest railway hubs, improving passenger circulation and safety. The cleared space will also allow smoother integration with future plans, including better platform access and an elevated deck to manage peak-hour rush. This marks a key milestone in Dadar station's decongestion project," a railway official said.

The new GRP station now operates from a multi-storey building above Platform 12. Until now, Platform 9 ended abruptly at the CSMT end with the police station, a toilet block, debris, and a small garden taking up critical space. Under the new plan, all of these will be cleared, and the platform will be widened and connected smoothly, similar to improvements done at Thane station. An elevated deck will later be built above the
expanded platform.

Following multiple mid-day reports highlighting how the narrow, slow line platform made crowd management nearly impossible, former Mumbai divisional railway manager (DRM) Rajneesh Goyal had initiated a master redesign of Dadar station. His successor, DRM Harish Mina, has not interacted with the media since taking charge nearly a year ago.

The new plan includes

>> Demolishing the old GRP station
>> Removing the toilet block
>> Clearing debris and unused space
>> Widening and reconnecting the platform
>> Building an elevated deck above Platform 9

Voices

Sunita Koli, commuter
‘That's where the ladies' compartment stops. It's risky to stand there now. Once the whole stretch opens up, safety will definitely improve'

Rajesh Ramakant Patil, who travels to Thane
‘We never realised the police station was eating up half the platform. Peak hours were dangerous. If they finally widen it, it's a huge relief'

Meena Deshpande, techie from Ambernath
‘Platform 9A is chaotic every evening. With the GRP office gone, people will finally have space to move. This should have happened years ago'