Redevelopment at Virar station is being carried out in phases to minimise commuter inconvenience, while introducing wider platforms, new decks, and additional tracks to handle rising passenger demand
Locations of the upcoming platforms. PIC COURTESY/Saurabh Raut
The new-look Virar railway station will have five platforms in a row, starting from the southern end of the station due to a lack of space. The new station upgrade has many surprises in store, including an elevated deck above the platforms and also outside, essentially like a Thane station-like SATIS (Station Area Traffic Improvement Scheme), but connected to an autorickshaw parking area.
“There are space constraints at Virar on either side, in the east and west. Hence, we have decided to move southwards to build the two new platforms — nos. 1 and 2 on the west side, and no. 9 on the east side. With the new layout, it will result in a row of five platforms if we add the existing ones in a line. The remodelling of Virar station has been planned to ease congestion and accommodate 15-coach trains on the Virar-Dahanu route. Key improvements include the construction of new platforms at the south-end, a new platform no. 5A, expansion of platforms 3A/4A, and improved infrastructure to boost capacity by 25 per cent,” said an official.
The crowd at Virar railway station on Sunday. PIC/NIMESH DAVE
“Platform 3A is being widened to 10 metres from the existing 6-metre width with a double-discharge facility on the west side to handle higher commuter volume, along with a home platform. There are upgrades focusing on enabling 15-car suburban trains to operate on the Virar–Dahanu corridor and the station modernisation also includes a new station deck for better passenger movement. The overall projected benefits include increased capacity for suburban trains and reduced crowding,” an official said.
The elevated deck across platforms will be linked to an autorickshaw deck independently proposed by the Vasai-Virar Municipal Corporation — something like Thane station has at present, where a public transport bus deck is part of SATIS.
“I have been watching the ongoing works at Virar, which are of a massive scale and have been split into phases for less inconvenience to commuters. It is interesting to document changes happening as the works are getting completed,” said Saurabh Raut, who has been documenting the process.
Needed upgrade
>> With two new platforms and added to the three existing ones, Virar will have five platforms — nos. 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5B — in a row >> Station upgrade project is a part of quadrupling of the Virar-Dahanu Road section on WR, progressing steadily under the MUTP Phase 3, and being executed by the MRVC. The project aims to significantly enhance suburban rail capacity and convenience
>> The total amount sanctioned for the project is '3578 crore, and physical progress has reached 47 per cent
Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!
