Once equipped with toilets at the Diva-end of the main line, the station lost these basic amenities when a foot overbridge was constructed. Since then, there has been no functional toilet facility at the station
Incomplete escalator installation at the Kalyan-end west side continues to inconvenience commuters (right) Escalator lies unused for over three years near the garden area on the west side of Kopar station
Kopar railway station, a crucial junction between Diva and Dombivli on the Central Railway network, continues to languish in neglect, leaving daily commuters grappling with inadequate facilities and incomplete infrastructure.
Toilets not replaced
Once equipped with toilets at the Diva-end of the main line, the station lost these basic amenities when a foot overbridge was constructed. Since then, there has been no functional toilet facility at the station.
East-side ticket counter at the Diva-end foot overbridge, built over a year ago, remains unopened and non-operational. Pic/Shrikant Khuperkar
On the upper platforms (3 and 4), which serve Diva–Vasai trains, a toilet exists at the Bhiwandi end of Platform 4. However, commuters say it is mostly unusable and frequently misused at night, raising safety concerns, particularly for women and senior citizens.
Dry taps, no drinking water
Water taps have been installed on both the main and upper platforms, but there's no supply from the Kalyan-Dombivli Municipal Corporation (KDMC). The taps have remained dry for months, leaving passengers without access to drinking water.
Ticket window not functional
While a ticket counter is operational at the Kalyan-end west side near the station master’s office, the east side remains without any functioning facility. A structure for a ticket counter was built over a year ago at the Diva-end foot overbridge, but remains unopened.
As a result, passengers entering from the east must cross over to the west to purchase tickets. If caught by ticket checkers en route, they are fined for travelling without a ticket, despite the lack of functional infrastructure.
When contacted, Central Railway PRO Pravin Patil said, “The Mumbai Railway Vikas Corporation (MRVC) is responsible for the pending work. Staff for the ticket window need access to the toilet and water facilities. Until that’s arranged, operations cannot begin.” He advised reaching out to MRVC for updates.
Escalator installation stalled
An escalator meant for the Kalyan-end west side of the main line has remained uninstalled for nearly a year, even though the equipment arrived over three years ago. The escalator motor is reportedly faulty, but the contractor has not submitted the required installation report. Without this, Central Railway cannot replace the motor or initiate cost recovery.
The delay particularly affects the elderly and physically challenged commuters who struggle without proper accessibility. When contacted, a local section in-charge said that the concerned official has been informed and an update will follow once available. Meanwhile, Sunil Udasi, chief public relations officer of MRVC, stated, “Currently, MRVC is not carrying out any active work at Kopar station.”
Commuters Speak Out: Voices from Kopar Station
Saylee Surendra Shinde, a regular commuter, expressed concerns about hygiene and safety:
“Both ends of the foot overbridge are filthy in the mornings. Beggars sleep there at night and litter the place. After 8 pm, there is no visible security. The Diva-end foot overbridge is particularly unsafe and often lacks lighting. And most importantly, there are no toilet facilities. Even the condition of the upper bridges is poor.”Neighbours
Maya Sanjay Kothavde, another daily passenger, added:
“The Diva-end foot overbridge is too steep to climb, especially for senior citizens and women. There should be a ticket window on the east side of Diva. Behind Platform 1, a large open nala carries dirty water from Dombivli, giving off an unbearable stench. It must be properly covered.”
Mahesh Panchal, member of the Kopar Railway Station Passengers’ Association, shared his frustration:
“We’ve been facing problems since the station opened. There is no ticket window on the east side at either end. Slums and beggars can be seen around the Kalyan-end east side. No traffic monitoring—autos park wherever they want. RPF and GRP are rarely seen. Commuters using the Panvel–Dahanu train in the evening don’t have proper shelter. Toilets and drinking water are also missing. Trains are often late, and people wait 30–40 minutes in tough conditions.”
Ganesh Kadam, a long-time commuter, highlighted the need for basic discipline and supervision:
“Behind Platform 1, there’s a huge nala with a foul smell. Autos block the platform entrance daily—there should be regular visits by the traffic department. Even after putting up fencing at the lower platform, people cross through it due to lack of RPF and GRP presence. And still, there are no toilets on any of the four platforms.”
Conclusion
Though strategically located, Kopar Station continues to suffer from neglect. Commuters are forced to deal with poor hygiene, missing infrastructure, and inadequate safety. With no timeline for improvement, they’re left waiting—not just for trains, but for basic facilities that every railway station should provide.
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