Reading indicators at Mumbai local train platforms

I remember the first time I travelled using Mumbai’s central / harbour railway line. I was completely confused whether BL means Belapur / Badlapur and I almost landed in the wrong train.

Recently, quiz-master Derek O’Brien traveled in Mumbai local trains to understand commuters’ grievances. One of the things he found most difficult was reading indicators at the platforms on stations. Obviously, for a first time traveler on a particular route, reading indicators is a tough task.

How on earth would you know that K is not Kurla, but C stands for Kurla!

Unless of course, your friends have told you what those abbreviations mean. I would request the railways to put up boards at every railway station / platform in Mumbai explaining the abbreviated forms of stations.

Until, I am heard, here’s my little attempt to help you out. So if you are finding difficulty understanding the indicators, keep the list below handy.

Reading indicators at Mumbai local train CENTRAL / HARBOUR LINE platforms made easy:

A – Ambernath

AD - Andheri

AN - Asangaon

BL - Badlapur

BR - Belapur

C – Kurla

ST – Chattrapati Shivaji Terminus

D - Dadar

DI – Dombivli

G - Ghatkopar

K – Kalyan

KP – Khopoli

N – Kasara

Pl - Panvel

Nu - Nerul

S – Karjat

T - Thane

Tl – Titwala

VA – Vashi

Vd - Wadala

Reading indicators at Mumbai local train WESTERN LINE platforms made easy:

A – Andheri

B – Bandra

C – Churchgate

Bo – Borivli

D - Dadar

G – Goregaon

M – Malad

V – Virar

BS - Vasai Road

BY – Bhayander

PS - Do let me know if anything above is incorrect / if something is missing.

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Indicators working at Koparkhairane station

Last week I was surprised when I reached Navi Mumbai’s Koparkhairane station to board my regular train to Vashi. The indicators were operational and announcements were being made!

Until now, there used to be quite some confusion at the Koparkhairane platforms! Firstly, the frequency of trains is bad, so if you miss one train and you aren’t carrying a timetable, you have no idea how long you’d have to wait.

Secondly, since trains for Vashi as well as Nerul / Panvel arrive at the same platform, every time you board a train at the last minute, you need to ask the fellow commuters about the train’s destination. Not anymore, and it’s such a relief! Add to it that the railway announcements are very clear too!

Now, let’s hope for more trains in this route.

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