The station was built in the period 1910–1912, and was extended in 1914. It was named after Bombay Port Trust's first chairman, J.E. Ballard.[1] Old Photographs of the station show a station having two platforms under a single large roof. The building behind the station was itself a large one. A road was seen west of the station, and one photo shows cars parked beside the main station building. At the southern end of the station, was a clock tower-like structure. British passengers from steamers often boarded from this station. It was also an ideal picking point for mail arriving from Europe from P&O Mail steamers.[2]
According to some sources regarding the year of commencement, the Punjab Limited Express service started from Ballard Pier Mole on 1 June 1912, and later shifted to Bombay Victoria Terminus in 1914[3]
The Frontier Mail, however started on 1 September 1928, making its maiden journey from Colaba Terminus station. During the winter months from September to December, it used to depart from the mole station.
^Aklekar, Rajendra B. (2019). A Short History of Indian Railways. Rupa Publications. p. 138. ISBN978-93-5333-287-7.
^Aklekar, Rajendra B. (2014). Halt Station India : The Dramatic Tale of the Nation's First Rail Lines. Rupa Publications. p. 155. ISBN978-81-291-3497-4.
^"by". 8 April 2003. Archived from the original on 8 April 2003. Retrieved 28 May 2023.
