Signal Glitch Disrupts Mumbai Central Railway Services
Early morning commuters in Mumbai faced delays on Tuesday as a technical issue disrupted local train services on the Central Railway’s main line. The problem, which occurred on the south-bound slow track between Diva and Mumbra railway stations in Thane district at 4:55 am, led to suburban trains running behind schedule by 15-20 minutes.
The Central Railway’s Chief Public Relations Officer, Swapnil Nila, confirmed that the signal glitch was rectified around 6 am, more than an hour after the snag first appeared. This unexpected delay caused crowds to swell on the CR’s suburban trains and stations, resulting in hardships for passengers. A commuter activist shared with PTI the challenges faced by individuals navigating the disrupted services.
The main line of the Central Railway spans from Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus in south Mumbai to Kasara in Thane, extending to Khopoli and Karjat in Raigad district. With nearly 1,800 local services daily, the Central Railway serves over 35 lakh commuters traveling on its main, harbour, trans-harbour, and Belapur-Uran suburban corridors.
Central Railway Celebrates 100 Years of Electrification
In a momentous occasion, the Central Railway commemorated 100 years of electrification of trains with a series of events, including an exhibition and a walkathon. This journey towards electrification began on February 3, 1925, when the Great Indian Peninsula Railway (GIPR), later known as Central Railway, operated the first electric train between Bombay VT (now CSMT) and Kurla Harbour, covering 16 kilometers.
The milestone in electrification history came nearly 72 years after India’s inaugural train journey between Boribandar (now CSMT) and Thane on April 16, 1853. The shift from steam-powered locomotives to electric traction with the introduction of the 1500V DC system marked a pivotal moment in modernization for the Indian Railways.
General Manager Dharam Veer Meena, during a function dedicated to the centenary of electrification, emphasized the significance of history and progress in this achievement. The exhibition at CSMT, showcasing the evolution of electric traction, featured display boards, miniature working models, and other exhibits highlighting technological advancements in railway electrification.
Public Engagement and Technological Advancements
As part of the centenary celebrations, the exhibition at CSMT’s platform 7-8 welcomed public viewing, offering insights into the railway’s journey towards sustainability through electrification. A walkathon, with over 250 participants, traced the Indian Railways’ electrification milestones, underscoring the commitment to innovation, service improvements, and technological advancements.
In the words of CR’s chief public relations officer, Swapnil Nila, the exhibition and walkathon captured the essence of the railways’ progress and dedication to enhancing the commuter experience through modernization and sustainable practices. The event highlighted the transformative impact of electrification on India’s railway network and the continued pursuit of excellence in service delivery.
The electrifying centenary celebrations of the Central Railway stand as a testament to the rich history and promising future of rail transportation in India. As the railways continue to innovate and evolve, the electrification milestone serves as a beacon of progress and a symbol of the enduring legacy of the Indian Railways.
