National Park

National Park Metro Station (also known as Rashtriya Udyan) is one of the most unique and scenic transit nodes on Mumbai Metro’s Red Line 7, serving as the primary gateway to the iconic Sanjay Gandhi National Park (SGNP). Since its inauguration in 2022, the station has fundamentally transformed how Mumbaikars and tourists access this vast green lung of the city. For many, the station represents the perfect blend of urban infrastructure and natural beauty, providing a sleek, air-conditioned link to the historic Kanheri Caves and the city's sprawling wilderness. Before the metro, reaching the park entrance from distant parts of the city involved a long and often exhausting journey through road traffic; today, the station offers a predictable and dignified arrival experience right at the park's doorstep.

The primary keyword for National Park Metro Station is "gateway to Sanjay Gandhi National Park." Situated immediately adjacent to the main entrance of the park in Borivali East, the station caters to an incredibly diverse demographic. On weekdays, you’ll see thousands of students and office-goers heading southward toward the city’s business hubs, while on weekends and holidays, the platforms are filled with families, nature enthusiasts, and tourists eager to explore the park’s forests and wildlife. The energy here is uniquely calm yet purposeful, reflecting the station’s role as a transition point between the chaotic energy of the city and the serene greenery of the national park. The station has also become a major landmark for the local community, enhancing the visibility and accessibility of one of Mumbai’s most important environmental treasures.

Navigating National Park Metro Station is a smooth and efficient experience, designed to handle large volumes of tourists and local commuters. As an elevated station, it provides passengers with a stunning panoramic view of the lush forest canopy on one side and the busy Western Express Highway on the other. The station's architecture is consistent with the modern, functional design of Line 7, featuring spacious concourses, clear passenger flow management, and high ceilings that make the space feel open and airy. For those visiting the park for the first time, the station is the perfect starting point, with clear signage and easy access to the park’s ticket windows and safari booking centers. The station’s layout is designed to handle the heavy weekend rush with ease, ensuring a comfortable experience for all.

For the local community, the station has become more than just a transit node; it is a symbol of Borivali’s urban modernization. It has shortened the psychological distance between the northern residential pockets and the city’s commercial spines, making a cross-city trip feel as easy as a neighborhood stroll. The station’s environmental impact is also significant, as it encourages thousands of visitors every day to choose public transport over private vehicles, contributing to a greener and more sustainable Mumbai. As you wait for your train on the platform, watching the forest on one side and the highway on the other, you realize that National Park Metro Station is an essential part of the machinery that keeps Mumbai moving toward a more connected and ecologically balanced future.

Station Overview

National Park Metro Station is a prominent elevated station on Mumbai Metro Line 7 (the Red Line). Since its opening in April 2022, it has served as the primary transit gateway for Sanjay Gandhi National Park. Located in Zone 2, the station is strategically positioned along the Western Express Highway in Borivali East, between Ovaripada and Debi Pada stations. Its modern design and efficient management have made it a favorite among tourists and daily commuters who value time, comfort, and safety in their daily travels. The station is particularly noted for its role in promoting eco-friendly tourism in the city.

Lines and Connectivity

The station is exclusively served by Line 7, which runs from Dahisar East to Gundavali (Andheri East). From National Park, traveling northward takes you to the terminal and interchange at Dahisar East in less than 10 minutes. Traveling southward connects you to the major hubs of Borivali, Goregaon, and the corporate centers of Andheri East. This connectivity is essential for the residents of Borivali East and visitors to the national park, as it provides a direct rail link to the city's emerging business districts, effectively bypassing the heavy road traffic of the Western Express Highway.

Station Layout and Structure

National Park is a multi-level elevated station designed with an emphasis on efficient tourist and commuter movement. The ground level features multiple entry and exit points, with the primary exits leading directly toward the entrance of Sanjay Gandhi National Park and the busy Borivali East markets. The concourse level houses the ticket offices, smart card recharge machines, and several retail kiosks. The platform level is located above the concourse and consists of two side platforms. The station is equipped with high-capacity escalators, wide stairs, and large elevators, ensuring smooth passenger flow even during the intense weekend tourist rush. Clear, multilingual signage throughout the station helps both regular commuters and tourists navigate with ease.

Facilities

Commuters at National Park have access to all standard modern transit facilities. Several bank ATMs are located on the concourse level for convenient cash access. The station features "Metro Shoppe" kiosks and small food stalls where you can buy hot beverages, cold drinks, and a variety of freshly prepared snacks. There are also small convenience stores that sell travel essentials, magazines, and electronics. Clean and regularly maintained pay-per-use restroom facilities are available. The station also provides high-speed WiFi for a limited duration and features a well-staffed Customer Care desk to assist with ticketing, smart cards, and general travel inquiries.

Accessibility

National Park is a fully accessible station, reflecting the Mumbai Metro's commitment to inclusive public transport. It is a 100% step-free environment, with dedicated elevators connecting the street level to the concourse and then to the platforms. High-speed escalators are also available at all major transition points to assist with vertical movement for all passengers. For visually impaired travelers, the station features tactile paving throughout the floors. Clear and consistent audio announcements are made in Marathi, Hindi, and English. The digital display boards are positioned for high visibility, providing real-time updates on train arrivals. The station staff is specially trained to assist passengers with special needs, including the elderly and those with disabilities.

Travel Tips

• Park Access: Exit from the eastern side for the most direct access to the entrance of Sanjay Gandhi National Park.
• Weekend Rush: On weekends and public holidays, the station can be quite busy with tourists; arrive early to avoid the longest queues at the ticket windows.
• Smart Card Advantage: Save time by using a Smart Card or mobile QR tickets, which is especially useful during the busy Sunday afternoon periods.
• Rickshaw Stand: The station has an organized auto-rickshaw stand at the ground level; use this for metered rides into the deeper parts of Borivali East or toward the railway station.
• Stay Hydrated: Grab a water bottle from the concourse kiosks before heading into the national park, as shops within the park can be limited in certain areas.

Nearby Attractions

Sanjay Gandhi National Park (SGNP) - 0.1 km. One of the world's few national parks located within city limits, famous for its lion and tiger safaris and natural beauty.

Kanheri Caves (Nearby) - 6.0 km. Ancient rock-cut Buddhist caves located deep within the national park, accessible via park buses or cycles from the main gate.

Borivali East Market - 0.5 km. A vibrant local market known for its variety of retail stores, clothing shops, and traditional street food.

Western Express Highway - 0.1 km. The station provides immediate access to Mumbai's primary north-south arterial road.

Timings and Best Time to Travel

The first train from National Park Metro Station departs at approximately 6:05 AM toward both Dahisar East and Gundavali. The last train departs at around 11:15 PM daily. For those visiting the national park, the best time to arrive is between 7:30 AM and 9:00 AM to avoid the mid-day heat and to get ahead of the larger crowds. For daily commuters, the mid-day period (11:30 AM - 4:30 PM) remains the most comfortable time for a relaxed journey.