Commuters on the Western Railway in Mumbai experienced significant delays during Monday’s morning rush hour, with trains running between 15 to 30 minutes behind schedule. The slowdowns were particularly noticeable on both slow and fast lines heading towards Churchgate, which were attributed to speed restrictions of 30 kmph that were implemented following a 10-hour mega block operation.
The maintenance work that caused these delays included two separate blocks: one on the 5th line from 9:30 pm Sunday to 7:30 am Monday, and another on the Up and Down Harbour lines between Goregaon and Kandivali stations from 12:30 am to 10:30 am on Monday. This maintenance work was necessary for the ongoing project to re-lay the 5th and 6th railway lines between Ram Mandir and Kandivali railway stations.
In an effort to alleviate overcrowding and provide some relief to commuters, Western Railway authorities announced special train services on the Harbour line via social media on Monday morning. A railway official mentioned, “We ran a local at 9:25 am from Goregaon to CSMT on the Harbour line from platform 1 and another local at 9:20 am from Goregaon to Churchgate on the Harbour line platform 2.”
The speed restrictions causing these delays are expected to last until 4 October when they are set to gradually ease. This project, which includes the re-laying of railway lines and adding two new lines, will result in the daily cancellation of 150 to 175 suburban train services until the restrictions are lifted. Western Railway authorities have issued a statement clarifying that daily commuters on the Western Line should anticipate delays between Monday and Friday (30 September to 4 October) due to the speed restrictions between Goregaon and Kandivali.
Over the past month, railway authorities have implemented significant changes, such as shifting all four railway lines westward and altering the alighting and boarding sides of platforms. These changes aim to free up two lines for dedicated up and down tracks for outstation trains, effectively segregating suburban trains from long-distance services. The project, valued at ₹930 crore, is expected to enhance the railway network’s capacity and improve overall service efficiency once completed.
### Impact on Commuters
The delays on the Western Railway have had a significant impact on commuters, with many expressing frustration over the extended travel times and overcrowded trains. Some commuters have had to adjust their schedules and leave home earlier to account for the delays, while others have had to find alternative modes of transportation to reach their destinations on time.
### Western Railway’s Response
Western Railway authorities have been working to mitigate the impact of the delays by providing special train services and updates via social media. They have also been communicating with commuters to inform them of the ongoing maintenance work and the reasons behind the speed restrictions. Despite these efforts, the delays have continued to disrupt the daily commute for many passengers.
### Future Plans and Improvements
Once the maintenance work is completed and the speed restrictions are lifted, the Western Railway is expected to see improvements in service efficiency and capacity. The addition of two new rail lines will help alleviate congestion and improve the overall commuting experience for passengers. However, until the project is completed, commuters should anticipate continued delays and plan accordingly.
In conclusion, the delays on the Western Railway in Mumbai have been a source of frustration for many commuters, but they are a necessary part of ongoing maintenance and improvement projects. While the disruptions may be inconvenient in the short term, the long-term benefits of these projects will ultimately lead to a more efficient and reliable railway network for passengers.
