1942
The Godrej archives states this the Godrej family bought the plots at Vikhroli. Pirojsha Godrej purchased the entire Vikhroli village to set up an industrial township.
The old Godrej rail sidings were a crucial link that helped set up democracy in India by helping to conduct independent India’s first general election.
2016
Around 80% of the population in Vikhroli are families of Godrej employees making it a very close-knit town. Kannamwar Nagar on the eastern side of the railway station holds the record of being the largest residential colony in Asia.
How Did the Station Get the Name “Vikhroli”?
If you travel through Mumbai on the Central Railway line, you may pass through Vikhroli station. You might wonder how this station got its name.
In 1942, the family of Sir Pirojsha Godrej bought a large piece of land in this area. They later developed an industrial township, which brought many workers and visitors to the region. As more people started coming to the area, there was a need for a railway station nearby.
At one point, there was a suggestion to name the station “Firozshah Nagar Station.” However, the railway authorities decided to consider the names of nearby villages instead. Since there was already a village called Vikhroli, the station was named after it.
This village later became part of the Godrej industrial township.
Origin of the Name “Vikhroli”
The name Vikhroli has a long history. In the old historical record called “Mahikavati Bakhar,” the village is mentioned as “Vikharvali.” Over time, the pronunciation of the name changed, and it eventually became Vikhroli.
Some people also believe the name may come from a Marathi word related to “Vikhurle,” meaning scattered, which may describe how small settlements and farms were spread across the area in the past.
Growth of Industry and IT Companies
Today, when you visit Vikhroli, you will see that it has become an important industrial and business area.
The Godrej Industrial Estate has many factories. In addition, large IT companies such as Accenture, Capgemini, and WNS have offices here.
The area is also known for its mangrove forests. The Soonabai Pirojsha Godrej Marine Ecology Centre, established in 1985, works to protect these mangroves.
Another important feature of the area is the Jogeshwari–Vikhroli Link Road, one of Mumbai’s major roads that connects the eastern and western parts of the city.
Residential Areas and Redevelopment
If you explore the area around Vikhroli, you will find several residential neighborhoods such as Godrej Colony, Tagore Nagar, Kannamwar Nagar, and Surya Nagar. These areas have parks, playgrounds, and housing complexes.
Over time, Vikhroli has grown from a small agrarian village with farms and salt pans into a busy suburb of Mumbai. Many buildings are now being redeveloped, and new residential projects are being constructed.
The railway station played an important role in this transformation by helping the area grow and connect with the rest of Mumbai.
1. It was originally a group of fishing and farming villages
Before becoming a modern suburb, Vikhroli was mostly:
Koli fishing villages
Rice fields and farms
Salt pans along the creek
Dense mangrove forests
People mainly depended on fishing in Thane Creek and agriculture. The settlements were small and spread out.
2. The Godrej family shaped modern Vikhroli
A huge transformation happened when Godrej Group bought large land areas here in the early 1900s.
Key developments:
Factories were built in 1940s–1950s.
The company created Godrej Colony, a planned township for workers.
This area later became Godrej & Boyce Manufacturing Company headquarters.
Even today, a large portion of Vikhroli land is owned by Godrej.
3. One of Mumbai’s largest private mangrove forests is here
Vikhroli contains one of Mumbai’s largest privately protected mangrove forests.
Located along Thane Creek
Protected by the Godrej Group
Area: ~1,000+ acres of mangroves
Wildlife found here:
Flamingos
Kingfishers
Mudskippers
Crabs
Many migratory birds
This mangrove belt helps protect Mumbai from flooding and storms.
4. Vikhroli station opened in the 19th century
The Vikhroli railway station was built during the expansion of the Great Indian Peninsula Railway, which later became part of Central Railway.
The station helped:
Connect rural villages to Mumbai
Bring workers to the Godrej factories
Accelerate suburban growth in the eastern belt.
