Mumbai Local Train Update: Mumbai Western Railway line commuters are set to face a challenge in the coming weeks, as a large-scale project to extend the sixth line between Goregaon and Kandivali gets underway. Starting from the midnight of August 27-28, a 35-day traffic block will be in place, causing disruptions to around 650 to 700 train services.

According to a Western Railway (WR) official, the decision to stretch the work over a 35-day period was made to minimise the inconvenience to passengers. "We could have finished the work sooner, but that would have caused greater disruption to commuters. So, we've decided to spread it out over 35 days to reduce train cancellations and maintain a level of service for passengers," the official explained to the Free Press Journal report.

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Mumbai Local Train Block Cancelled Between Sept 11-17

The traffic block will be paused from September 11 to September 17, allowing trains to run as usual during the upcoming Ganpati festival. However, the remaining 35-day period will see significant changes to the train schedule, with five major 10-hour blocks planned on the 5, 12, 16, 23 and 30 days, mostly on Saturday and Sunday nights starting at 10 PM. These extended blocks will result in the cancellation of around 140 suburban train services and the shortening of 50 others.

During the weekdays, the disruptions will be relatively minimal for most of the block period. However, towards the end of the project, commuters can expect the cancellation of approximately 80 services and the short-term termination of 70 others.

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Mumbai Local 35-Day Block: Why Several Mumbai Local Trains Are Cancelled

The ongoing project aims to extend the current six tracks from Khar Road to Goregaon, ultimately reaching Kandivali, with further expansion to Borivali expected by the end of the year. This significant infrastructure upgrade is expected to ease congestion on the fast corridor between Borivali and Khar Road, enhancing the overall efficiency of suburban train services. Additionally, long-distance trains from Bandra Terminus will be shifted to these new tracks, reducing overcrowding on the existing lines.

To manage the tight space on the east side of Malad, a new rail line has been constructed on the west side. During the 35-day block, all existing lines will be moved to the west using the cut-and-connection method. Once the work is complete, the new line will serve as the slow line for Virar-bound trains, while the existing Virar-bound slow line will be repurposed for Churchgate-bound slow trains. The current Churchgate-bound slow line will be used for Virar-bound fast trains and the existing Virar-bound fast line will be dedicated to Churchgate-bound fast trains.