Extended Mega Block to Cause Significant Train Cancellations

Commuters on Mumbai's Western Line are bracing for a period of significant disruption as a 35-day mega block is set to begin at the end of August. The block is part of the ongoing project to extend the sixth line between Goregaon and Kandivali, a critical upgrade aimed at improving the city's rail infrastructure. However, this necessary construction work will result in the cancellation of approximately 650 to 700 train services, primarily affecting weekend travel.

Details of the Mega Block and Its Impact

The mega block, which will span five weekends, will see 10-hour-long night blocks, mostly scheduled on Saturdays. During these periods, between 130 to 140 train services are expected to be cancelled each day. On weekdays, the impact will be less severe, with shorter 5-hour blocks leading to fewer cancellations. The Western Railway (WR) has planned the schedule to minimize inconvenience to daily commuters, with major work being avoided during the 10-day Ganeshotsav festival from September 7 to 17.

Project Scope and Timeline

The project involves the extension of a 4.75 km stretch of the sixth line between Goregaon and Kandivali. This work is a continuation of the efforts that began in November 2023, when the first phase of the sixth line was completed on the Santacruz-Goregaon corridor, which had led to the cancellation of over 2,500 train services. The current phase, although smaller in scale, is crucial for segregating long-distance trains from the suburban network, ensuring smoother and faster commutes for Mumbai’s local train users.

The work on this section is expected to be completed by August 2024, with the extension of the line to Borivali slated for completion by December 2024. The project has been a long-term endeavour, with initial construction starting back in 2008. The total cost of the Mumbai Central to Borivali 5th and 6th lines project is estimated at ₹918 crore.

Structural Changes and Future Plans

As part of this infrastructure upgrade, the WR has already made significant changes, including the construction of a new rail line and platform at Malad station. The ongoing work will see the current tracks re-aligned to accommodate the new line. The planned changes will ultimately reconfigure the slow and fast lines on the Western route, with the new line dedicated to Virar-bound slow trains, while existing lines will be adjusted for Churchgate-bound and Virar-bound fast trains.

Additionally, the project will involve the removal of slums and other structures close to the tracks, particularly on the Malad-Kandivali-Borivali stretch. This clearance work has already begun, with grass and weeds being removed, and ground levelling and track laying underway on the Goregaon-Malad stretch.

Preparing for a Temporary Inconvenience

While the mega block and subsequent train cancellations will undoubtedly cause temporary inconvenience for commuters, the long-term benefits of this infrastructure upgrade are expected to greatly improve the efficiency and reliability of Mumbai's Western Line. Commuters are advised to plan their travel accordingly and stay updated on the latest schedules during this critical construction period.