DISASTER IN WAITING

August 30, 2019: The station`s upgrade was spurred by a 2019 mid-day front-page report, promting action from former MP Manoj Kotak and then-railway minister Piyush Goyal. The first story that started it all

WORK BEGINS, BUT SAFETY CONCERNS RAISED

June 23, 2022: MRVC launched a seven-point upgrade plan with new FOBs, an elevated deck and a skywalk, but barricades narrowed platforms, triggering safety concerns during peak hours

PLATFORM SPACE RECLAIMED

August 11, 2022: Barricades were later pushed back, freeing platform space and easing risks flagged by mid-day. MRVC said work amid heavy footfall remains challenging, with completion expected by 2025

CROWD SURGE DUE TO METRO DISRUPTION

December 15, 2022: A metro cancellation caused a stampede-like situation on the railway FOB, emphasising the need to fast-track upgrade. Commuters called for better Metro-railway integration and more Metro coaches to manage crowds

BREATHING SPACE GAINED

March 10, 2023: A redundant staircase on Platform No.1 was demolished, creating more space after mid-day`s 2019 report. The upgrade was progressing to address the high passenger dnsity exacerbated by Metro connectivity

FUNDING SECURED, WORK PROGRESSES

April 21, 2023: MUTP-3A funding enabled full-scale work, with Phase 1 on the east side targeted for completion by late 2023 and further phases already funded

PHASE 1 COMPLETED

December 29, 2023: Phase 1 was completed with a 12-metre-wide, 75-metre-long FOB, and a 15-metre-wide, 47-metre-long east deck, opened to the public. However, commuters noted the lack of direct Metro connectivity, a priority for phase 2

METRO RELATED CROWDING ISSUES

July 3, 2024: Metro network delay caused a crowd surge on railway FOB, with railway officials blaming Metro`s management. Phase 2 work near the Metro station was set to resume post-monsoon, with calls for Metro to increase coach numbers

ESCALATORS OPENED

July 5, 2024: Two of six escalators in the east circulating area were inaugrated, providing access to new FOB. The full upgrade, including multiple bridges and decks, was expected to be completed by December 2026

SLOW PROGRESS QUESTIONED

July 12, 2024: MRVC plans two phases with new FOBs and decks, noting that a five-minute Metro delay can add nearly 2,000 commuters. Completion is targeted for 2027

DEBRIS AND BARRICADES CAUSE RISKS

February 14, 2025: Phase 2 work left debris and barricades on Platform 1, raising safety concerns. MRVC said it is speeding up foundation work and debris clearance, with completion still targeted for 2027

The flooring work of the new wide bridge is underway at the CSMT-end. The new bridge is adjacent to the BMC skywalk abutting the Metro station