Western Railway in Mumbai is set to embark on a significant project to enhance the line capacity and improve train services between Goregaon and Kandivali. The 6th line work on this 4.5 km stretch is scheduled to begin on the night of August 27, 2024, and will continue until October 5, 2024. This project aims to create additional paths for running more trains, ease congestion on busy tracks, and ultimately benefit commuters in the region.
Work Schedule and Impact
According to Vineet Abhishek, the Chief Public Relations Officer of Western Railway, the 6th line work will be carried out in 10-hour blocks during weekends, specifically on Saturdays and Sundays. The project is expected to be completed within 35 days, with the exception of September 11-17, 2024, when work will be paused in observance of the Ganpati Festival.
During the construction period, some long-distance trains will be regulated with delays of 15 to 20 minutes, while suburban services will also be affected. Around 100 to 140 suburban services are expected to be cancelled, with an additional 40 services being short-terminated on weekends. However, Western Railway has strategically scheduled the work during night hours to minimize disruptions on weekdays.
Project Details and Future Plans
The new line between Goregaon and Kandivali stations is crucial for the overall project, as it will connect the existing 5 lines to the west side through cut and connection. This strategic move will create space for the 6th line on the west side, as there is limited space on the east side of Malad Station.
Once the Goregaon-Kandivali section is completed, the focus will shift to the next phase of the project – the Kandivali-Borivali section. This will further enhance the line capacity of the Mumbai Suburban section, improve train punctuality, and segregate mainline trains from suburban trains. Ultimately, the completion of the entire project will benefit commuters traveling on the Andheri-Borivali-Virar section.
Benefits of the Project
The completion of the 6th line work between Goregaon and Kandivali will have a myriad of benefits for both passengers and the railway system as a whole. Firstly, it will enhance the line capacity of the Mumbai Suburban section, allowing for the operation of more trains and reducing overcrowding on existing services.
Furthermore, the project will help ease congestion on the busy suburban and mainline tracks, improving the overall efficiency of train operations. With dedicated lines for trains to and from Bandra Terminus, commuters can expect improved punctuality and smoother travel experiences.
The segregation of mainline and suburban trains will also streamline operations and reduce delays caused by conflicting schedules. Overall, the completion of the 6th line work will provide additional paths for running more trains, benefiting a wide range of commuters in the region.
