The Central Railway has announced a 63-hour "mega block" starting from midnight on May 30, aimed at platform extension works on the Mumbai network. This extensive maintenance operation is expected to significantly impact local train services, which are considered the lifeline of the city, affecting the daily routines of hundreds of thousands of commuters. During this period, both local and long-distance train services will experience disruptions. Meanwhile, the railway authorities have urged commuters to refrain from traveling by local trains unless absolutely necessary. This advisory aims to minimize inconvenience and ensure safety during the extensive maintenance activities.
What's the aim of mega block?
The primary focus of the mega block is the platform extension and widening works at two key stations: Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) in south Mumbai and Thane station. These upgrades are essential to accommodate longer trains and improve passenger flow, ultimately enhancing the overall efficiency of the network.
While this operation is crucial for long-term improvements, the immediate impact will be felt by daily commuters who rely on these train services for their work and personal travel. The Central Railway has acknowledged the inconvenience this will cause and has appealed to the public for their cooperation and understanding during this period. Travelers are advised to plan their journeys in advance, considering alternative modes of transportation if possible. The railway authorities are also likely to provide additional updates and information to help commuters navigate this challenging period more effectively.
What did divisional railway manager say?
"A 63-hour mega block for the widening of platform nos 5 and 6 (in Thane) will start from Thursday midnight while a 36-hour block for the works related to the extension of platform nos 10 and 11 (at CSMT) will kick in from Friday midnight," Rajneesh Goyal, divisional railway manager of Central Railway's Mumbai division, told a press conference on Wednesday. He said once the platform breadth is widened, facilities like escalators or wider staircases for Foot Over Bridge (FOB) can be provided.
Swapnil Nila, chief public relations officer of Central Railways, said a total of 72 mail-express trains and 956 suburban trains on the main and Harbour corridors will remain cancelled from Friday to Sunday. Several mail-express and suburban trains will be short-terminated and short-originated from Wadala, Dadar, Thane, Pune, Panvel and Nashik stations. He said the Railways has requested the Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST) and Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) to operate extra buses for the convenience of passengers.
Platform extensions at CSMT, Thane completed
The block for the works related to the extension of platforms at CSMT and widening of platforms at Thane station will end at 3.30 pm on Sunday, as per a Central Railway release. At CSMT, the length of platform nos 10 and 11 has been extended to accommodate 24-coach trains from the earlier 16 coaches. While the extension-related work is already completed, the mega block will be operated mainly for carrying out non-interlocking (related to track changing points) works.
At Thane, platforms nos 5 and 6, which witness overcrowding due to the narrow width and operation of both mail/express and local trains, are being widened by 2-3 metres. According to Central Railway, a total of 930 local train services, including 161 on Friday, 534 on Saturday and 235 on Sunday, will be cancelled during the mega block at CSMT and Thane. Initially, the railways had announced cancellation of 956 local train services but later it decided to operate 26 services.
(With PTI inputs)
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