Mumbai: PAC Calls For Wider CSMT Entry To Ease Peak-Hour Crowding, Reviews Passenger Amenities And Water Quality
Mumbai, September 22, 2026: The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) on Tuesday inspected Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) during the evening peak hour and called for a wider entry and exit point at the northern end of the station to ease congestion and improve passenger movement. The panel, headed by Congress leader K C Venugopal, also reviewed drinking water facilities, toilets, fans and…
On September 22, 2026, the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) inspected Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) during the evening rush hour to address a growing congestion issue. The committee, led by Congress leader K C Venugopal, called for the expansion of entry and exit points at the northern end of the station to alleviate overcrowding and enhance passenger movement.
The PAC also evaluated the station's drinking water facilities, toilets, air conditioning, and other passenger amenities. The visiting committee, comprising officials from Central Railway (CR) and security personnel, spent approximately 30 minutes inspecting the station. PAC member Anurag Thakur suggested that a wider access point on the northern side could help distribute passenger load.
He also proposed the addition of longer platforms and extra railway lines to address congestion within trains and stations. CR officials provided updates on infrastructure projects underway, including underground rail tunnels, station augmentation, and measures to prevent commuters from falling from moving trains. The PAC's visit follows concerns raised by the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) regarding passenger amenities and water quality at railway stations.
The committee is examining these issues based on the CAG's findings and visited water vending machines and drinking-water taps at the station. Existing water facilities at CSMT reportedly have a capacity of 750 liters per hour. Central Railway has taken corrective measures following the CAG report, with subsequent water samples found satisfactory.
CR plans to expand water-quality monitoring across its network, with around 20,000 points planned for testing. Officials are also addressing old and worn-out storage tanks for phased replacement. The PAC will meet with Railway Ministry, CR, and Western Railway officials to discuss passenger amenities, sanitation, overcrowding, and infrastructure in more detail.
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