Title: Mumbai Central Railway Chaos Disrupts Republic Day Travel
Mumbai, On Sunday morning, chaos ensued as train services on various Central Railway routes were disrupted due to an extended mega block for a bridge girder launch, leaving commuters stranded and inconvenienced. The disruption impacted individuals heading to Republic Day events and long-distance travelers, with eyewitnesses reporting people walking along the tracks on affected routes and massive crowds gathering at various stations on the Central Railway suburban network.
Rebuilding the new east-west link Carnac Bridge between the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus and Masjid railway stations in south Mumbai, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation undertook the project after the deteriorating condition of the British-era structure necessitated its demolition. Initially scheduled to end at 5:30 am, the six-hour-long mega block for launching the girder of the under-construction Carnac Bridge faced delays, pushing the resumption of suburban services from the CSMT to 10:09 am.
The Central Railway faced significant disruptions, with 11 long-distance trains departing from CSMT rescheduled and nine arriving trains short-terminated due to the block burst. Additionally, reports surfaced of a laborer sustaining injuries during the girder launch, underscoring the challenges faced by workers involved in the construction project.
Officials noted that the disruption led to many government employees, teachers, and students being unable to reach Republic Day functions on time, highlighting the widespread impact of the service interruptions on daily commuters. Local train operations between CSMT and Byculla, as well as CSMT and Wadala stations on the main and harbor lines, were canceled, prompting the arrangement of buses at key stations to accommodate stranded passengers.
Despite the eventual resumption of train services on the CSMT-Byculla and CSMT-Wadala routes, Central Railway’s chief spokesperson Swapnil Nila acknowledged the speed restrictions at the Carnac Bunder bridge location and the ensuing overcrowding at suburban stations and on local trains along Central Railway routes. Witness accounts from passengers detailed the challenges faced during the disruption, with many expressing frustration at the lack of alternatives and communication from authorities.
Arjun Dhavale, a disgruntled commuter, took to social media to criticize Central Railway for the inconvenience caused to passengers, while others shared their experiences of being stuck on trains for hours without information or assistance. The disruptions affected over a dozen long-distance trains, with cancellations and rescheduling causing further inconvenience to travelers and highlighting the need for improved contingency planning during such events.
The Central Railway’s daily operations, encompassing nearly 1,800 local services on its suburban network in addition to long-distance trains, play a vital role in transporting approximately 37 lakh commuters. The incident serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by Mumbai’s extensive railway network and the importance of effective communication and contingency measures to mitigate disruptions and ensure passenger safety and convenience.
