Railway unveils ₹5,000-cr Tilak Teriminus upgrades

After three decades, the Lokmanya Tilak Terminus that caters to trains to east, north and south India, is set to undergo a ₹5,000 crore upgrade, which will include eight-storey terminals, three more platforms, commercial zones and multi-level parking among others. The redevelopment will cover an area much larger than the plot on which the terminus now stands by clearing encroachments and shifting the railway staff quarters. While the terminus amenities and infrastructure is aimed at providing passengers with an airport-like experience, the commercial zones will help the railways earn more revenue. Central Railway authorities are hopeful of positive response from the developers owing to the area's proximity to BKC, airport and residential areas such as Ghatkopar and Chembur. The plan includes in-situ rehabilitation of railway quarters and slum-dwellers where around 600 flats will be constructed for railway staff. The number of slum-dwellers to be evacuated and shifted to a new building is yet to be worked out. A total of eight commercial plots with a cumulative built-up potential of 3.4 lakh sq.m is likely to be made available, for which IRSDC has prepared a concept plan. General Manager (Civil), IRSDC, VB Sood said that the project is being executed under public-private partnership through commercial exploitation of land and once completed the project will help railways to earn revenue worth ₹1,000 crore.