Badlapur: With overcrowding on Central Railway’s suburban network worsening, commuters from Badlapur and neighbouring areas are demanding urgent upgrades to local train services. The town, which has seen a population boom due to affordable housing beyond Kalyan, continues to struggle with packed trains and long delays during peak hours.

A strong push has emerged to upgrade Badlapur Railway Station to a terminus, a move that residents believe would ease congestion and improve commuting conditions. Former Municipal President Ram Patkar, leading the demand, has also called for halts at Badlapur for long-distance trains including the Vande Bharat, Sinhagad, Intercity, and Deccan Express—especially during peak hours.

Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari has backed the proposal, writing to Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw to request a feasibility study and further action. His intervention has revived public hope for long-awaited improvements.

“Badlapur’s population is nearly six lakh. Crowded trains are a daily hazard. Giving the station terminus status is a necessity,” said Patkar.

Daily commuter Shruti Jadhav echoed the sentiment, saying, “Catching a train in the morning feels like a battle.”

Alongside terminus status, residents are also seeking platform extensions to handle longer trains and improve safety. With rising footfall and frequent accidents due to overcrowding, the call for railway infrastructure upgrades in Badlapur is growing louder and more urgent.