1,750 train cancellations on WR over five days in Dec, Jan for work on 6th line on Kandivli-Boriali section | Mumbai News
Mumbai: Brace for the cancellation of approximately 350 suburban trains on Western Railway (WR) daily for five days—from Dec 26 to 29 and on Jan 10, announced WR chief spokesperson Vineet Abhishek on Wednesday. This means a total cancellation of up to 1,750 trains during these five days. This could impact the frequency of trains besides speed restrictions imposed during the block period, and this may inconvenience commuters taking local trains on these days.Abhishek further said that on these five days, a major rail block will be undertaken for the commissioning of Electronic Interlocking (EI) panels at Borivali on Up and Down fast lines. “The blocks are being carried out in connection with the 6th line on the Kandivli and Borivli section,” he said, adding that by January 18, the 6th line will be available on this section.
“It’s a 30-day block from the night of Dec 20 till Jan 18 on the Kandivli and Borivli section. In addition, a speed restriction will be imposed on the Down fast line on this section during the block period on Dec 26 and 27,” an official said. Abhishek said that on the first day of the block on Dec 20/21, only six to seven train services were cancelled, and subsequently, on average, 70-80 train services have been cancelled daily. “But the five big days—four in Dec and one in Jan—will witness major train cancellations as we will implement the last phase of our scheduled work,” he added.Another senior official said that the work is being expedited to ensure minimum inconvenience next week, and for December 31, efforts are being made to ensure no unusual cancellations for the convenience of New Year celebrations. The block will result in the cancellation of several suburban services, and some Borivali/Andheri trains will terminate at Goregaon. The BEST also plans to deploy extra buses outside railway stations on the Western line to cater to the rush of commuters.
