Lokmanya Tilak Terminus has got the railway board’s nod to be made into a world-class station.
Central Railway (CR) general manager Subodh Jain confirmed the development and stated that the Expression of Interest for the project is likely to be issued within six months.
CR had plans to make CST into a world-class station by giving it a major facelift. However, it is facing hurdles due to the alleged implications of the project on the heritage value of the station. As a result, CR is now considering LTT as the next major terminus in the city due to its feasibility.
CR plans to develop the total 20 acres of land at LTT for commercial exploitation to generate funds.
The plan includes constructing multi-level car parking, hotels, commercial establishments and escalators.
LTT has the largest circulating area when compared with any other railway station in the city. The plan is to construct an elevated deck at LTT with parking area above and a skywalk to connect Kurla station from LTT.
Authorities plan to increase the number of platforms to 12 from the existing five. Moreover, in order to increase services and decongest Dadar Terminus, CR is planning to shift operations of long distance trains from Dadar to LTT within a year.
The Asian Age, in its June 25 edition had carried a story on CR’s plan to make LTT into a world-class station.
Under the first phase, CR has already spent `22 crore on the new building and another `40 crore has been sanctioned under Phase 2.
The future prospects are bright for LTT as the Santa Cruz-Chembur Link Road will have a landing for the station. Due to this, passengers could reach the Western and Eastern Express Highways within minutes.
The Metro stations that will come up will also enhance the connectivity of LTT.