A Guide To CST Railway Station: History, Route, Timings, Fares

CST Railway Station or Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus is one of the busiest and most recognised railway stations in Mumbai. Located in the Fort area of South Mumbai, the station was formerly known as Victoria Terminus Station. Constructed in 1888, the railway station was designed by British architect William Stevens. The station features a combination of Victorian Gothic and traditional Indian architecture styles, with pointed arches and stone carvings. Moreover, the station has also been named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2004 with over three million passengers daily across 18 platforms. If you have recently moved to Mumbai and want to learn more about CST railway station, here is a complete guide you should not miss. Let’s keep reading! 

History of Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus Railway Station 

Construction for the historic railway station began in 1878 and was completed in 1887. With a blend of Victorian Gothic Revival architecture and traditional Indian design elements, CST has become a unique architectural landmark. Originally, the station was built to serve as the headquarters of the Great Indian Peninsular Railway. Since then, it has evolved into one of the busiest railway stations in the world. With intricate stone carvings and a grand central dome reflecting Indian palatial styles, the station is a fusion of Indian and British aesthetics. 

The station serves as a vital transportation hub in Mumbai, connecting different parts of the country. In 1996, the station was renamed Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus to honour the Maratha King Shivaji Maharaj. Now, CST stands as a functional railway and a symbol of Mumbai’s rich history. 

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About Mumbai CST Railway Station: An Overview 

Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus is a major transport link within one of the busiest rail networks, handling around 3 million passengers every day. The station connects to suburban areas as well as different cities in India. In addition, CST Mumbai is designed to manage the flow of high passenger traffic with trains arriving and departing every few minutes. The station complex spans around 30,000 square metres and features interiors adorned with stained glass, intricate woodwork, and vaulted ceilings. 

CSMT facilities around 11 out-station railway tracks and 7 suburban tracks along with 4 tracks. Today, the railway station serves as a vital transportation hub and cultural hub. From witnessing the expansion of the film industry to the development of the Financial Capital, CSMT has seen it all. 

Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus: Central Line Train Route 

CSMT is a crucial node in the extensive Central Line railway network. The Central Line connects CST to Kalyan, covering a distance of around 55 kilometres. Both slow and fast trains run on the route, and the slow trains run from Kalyan Station.  

Features of the Central Line Route

The primary route runs from CST to Kalyan, with a total of 26 stations along the way. From Kalyan, the line bifurcates into two branches:

• To Khopoli (61 km)
• To Kasara (67 km)

From Kalyan to Kasara, the popular stations on this route are Shahad, Khadavil, Titwala, and Ambivil. On the other hand, from Kalyan to Khopoli, the significant stations are Ambernath, Ulhasnagar, Badlapur, and Vihalwadi. The slow trains stop at each station; however, fast trains stop only at Kalyan, Ghatkopar, Dombivil, Dadar, Kalyan, etc. 

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Stations on the CST to Kalyan Route

The following are the stations served on the CST to Kalyan route:

1. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CST)
2. Masjid
3. Sandhurst Road
4. Byculla
5. Chinchpokli
6. Currey Road
7. Parel
8. Dadar
9. Matunga
10. Sion
11. Kurla
12. Vidyavihar
13. Ghatkopar
14. Vikhroli
15. Kanjurmarg
16. Bhandup
17. Nahur
18. Mulund
19. Thane
20. Kalwa
21. Mumbra
22. Diva
23. Kopar
24. Dombivli
25. Thakurli
26. Kalyan

CSMT Train Fare Details 

Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus offers a comprehensive fare structure, catering to both local and long-distance travel. The fare depends on whether you are choosing a first-class or second-class and the distance you travel. The Mumbai suburban railway system follows a zonal fare structure and a single journey ranges between ₹5 to ₹35 based on the distance. The costs for monthly passes vary between ₹100 to ₹500, depending on the distance. 

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How to Buy Local Train Tickets at CSMT? 

Buying local train tickets at Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus is simple, with several convenient options available. Here are a few ways to do it: 

1. Automated Ticket Vending Machine 

At CSMT Railway Station, you will find a ticket vending machine set up. You need to choose the station where you want to travel to. Plus, you can pay via cash or UPI. 

2. Ticket Counter 

This is the most traditional way to purchase train tickets at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaja Terminus. You have to stand in queue and get your ticket for a single journey. You can also get your return ticket from the counter.  

3. Season Pass 

You can get Monthly, Yearly, and Quarterly season passes if you are a regular traveller. This is the best way to save time and money as you will not have to stand in line every time you travel. 

4. UTS App 

The Unreserved Ticketing System or UTS app allows you to go for paperless ticket booking, ensuring it is popular among regular commuters. You can download the UTS app from the app store and create an account. Choose between single journey, platform, or season tickets. Through UTS, you can go paperless! 

Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus Train Timings 

The local train is the lifeline of Mumbai, the City of Dreams. CST Railway Station operates several train services, including short and long-distance trains. Here are some important train timings from CSMT: 

1. Slow Local Trains

Local trains are the backbone of the commuter system in Mumbai as the train service connects to different suburbs. The first train from CSMT to Kasara starts at 4:19 AM and arrives at Kasara by 7:03 AM. On the other hand, the first train from CSMT starts at 4:24 AM and reaches Khopoli by 7:09 AM. 

2. Fast Local Trains 

Fast local trains have fewer stops compared to slow trains, ensuring a quick commute for regular travellers. The frequency of these trains is high during peak hours, adding efficiency to your daily commutes. The first train from CSMT to Kalyan starts at 5:20 AM and arrives at Kalyan by 6:24 AM. 

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Recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2004, CST Railway Station goes beyond a transit point. It is not only one of the busiest stations in India but also across the world. CSMT serves as an integral hub for millions of commuters on a daily basis, facilitating journeys across the city. With a brilliant capacity to handle over three million passengers every day, the station embodies the spirit of the City of Dreams. In case you are new to the city and looking for top localities in South Mumbai, Churchgate, Crawford Market Area, Fort, and Sandhurst Road are the ones to keep in mind. Before you furnish your place, you should head over to RentoMojo and get all the furniture and appliances you need on rent!

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is there a Mumbai CST Railway Station waiting room?
Yes, Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (CST) has a waiting room available for passengers. The waiting lounge, named “Namah,” offers world-class facilities for a nominal fee of ₹10 per hour and includes sofas, dining tables, café service, and restrooms. 

2. Are there retiring rooms at Mumbai CST Railway Station?
Yes, Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (CST) offers retiring rooms for passengers. These rooms include air-conditioned dormitories, with charges starting at ₹143 for 12 hours and ₹238 for 24 hours, providing a comfortable resting option for travellers. 

3. Which are the top tourist places near Mumbai CST Railway Station?
Top tourist places near Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (CST) are the iconic Gateway of India, a historic archway overlooking the Arabian Sea, and Marine Drive, known for its stunning promenade and views.  

4. What is the distance between Mumbai Airport to CST Railway Station?
The distance between Mumbai Airport (BOM) and Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (CST) is approximately 20.4 kilometres by road. The journey typically takes around 18 to 20 minutes by taxi, depending on traffic conditions.

5. How many platforms are there at CST Railway Station?
Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (CST) has a total of 18 platforms. Among these, 7 platforms are designated for local suburban trains, while 11 platforms cater to long-distance trains.

6. Can I go from Bandra to CST Railway Station?
Yes, you can travel from Bandra to Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (CST) by train. There are direct local trains that operate frequently, taking approximately 29 to 42 minutes to cover the distance of about 14 kilometres between the two stations.

7. Is there car parking at CST Railway Station?
Yes, there is car parking available at Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (CST) Railway Station. The Central Railway is developing a pay-and-park facility near platform 18, which will charge ₹60 per hour for cars and ₹15 for bikes, expected to be operational by mid-December. 

8. Mention Panvel to the CST Railway Station list.
The list of stations between Panvel and Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (CST) includes the following stops:

1. Panvel
2. Khandeshwar
3. Mansarovar
4. Kharghar
5. Belapur CBD
6. Nerul
7. Juinagar
8. Sanpada
9. Vashi
10. Mankhurd
11. Govandi
12. Chembur
13. Tilak Nagar
14. Kurla Junction
15. Chunabhatti
16. Vadala Road
17. Sewri
18. Masjid

This route is part of the local train services connecting the Navi Mumbai area with CST, facilitating easy travel for commuters in the region.