Vasai Road Railway Station

Formerly named Bassein Road after Vasai's Portuguese moniker, the station's code, BSR, reflects its original designation. It served as a pivotal stop on the inaugural passenger route of the BB&CI railway, linking Grant Road and Ahmedabad since November 28, 1864. Functioning as the northern terminus for the railway's initial local service, it commenced operations on November 1, 1865, with two-coach services to Grant Road. To accommodate increasing traffic, plans were swiftly initiated in December 1865 to construct a second platform with a roof, supported by a budget of Rs. 6,522. This expansion became imperative due to frequent instances of multiple passenger trains coinciding at the station simultaneously. Additionally, wells were installed at Bassein Road, alongside the establishment of a station named Pahadee.

Seven of Vasai Road's eight platforms run parallel, with Platform 1 situated roughly 500 meters south of Platform 2, akin to the layout at Borivali. This station serves as a crucial interchange between Western and Central railways in Mumbai, facilitating the transition of trains from the Konkan region and Pune to the Western line. Platforms 2–5 manage local trains in both directions, while Platforms 4, 5, 6, and 7 accommodate outstation trains, including the prestigious Thiruvananthapuram and Madgaon Rajdhani Expresses. Additionally, Vasai Road hosts services like Humsafar Express, Duronto Express, and Sampark Kranti Express, linking Kerala to Delhi. Platform 1 caters exclusively to local train operations, while Platforms 6 and 7 handle freight trains bound for Diva. Recent upgrades at Vasai Road include the installation of elevators and lifts on existing and new footover bridges. Looking ahead, the Western Railway aims to alleviate congestion by constructing a new outstation train terminus by 2023, as announced by Union Railway Minister Piyush Goyal in August 2018. This initiative seeks to enhance efficiency and improve the overall commuter experience at Vasai Road station.

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