India, July 17 -- The Union railway ministry is pushing hard to secure 65 acres of defence land in Kandivali east to build a mega rail terminus that would greatly enhance Mumbai's long-distance connectivity. The Western Railway claims the proposed terminus would match the capacity of Mumbai's largest railway terminus, CSMT.

However, the Union defence ministry is refusing to part with the land, effectively two land parcels being sought between Kandivali and Malad stations. The plot houses the central ordnance depot, staff quarters and administrative offices of the defence ministry, and includes vacant land. It is surrounded by the Kandivali car shed, Poisar metro station and private land.

Senior Western Railway officials said the propose...