Central Railway Implements 63-Hour Megablock for Extensive Station Upgrades in Mumbai

Central Railway in Mumbai has announced a significant 63-hour megablock to facilitate extensive maintenance and upgrades at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) and Thane stations. The decision to cancel 930 local trains from Friday to Sunday comes as part of a crucial project aimed at enhancing commuter experience through platform extensions and improvements.

The project specifically focuses on extending platforms 10 and 11 at CSMT by 120 meters to accommodate 24-coach long-distance trains. This platform extension requires the relocation of rails, overhead wires, and other essential equipment. Additionally, platform 5 at Thane station is set to undergo a widening process from 10 meters to 13 meters to address congestion issues.

These upgrades mark a milestone for Indian Railways as the project will utilize advanced modular construction techniques with pre-cast blocks, signaling a new era in railway infrastructure development. The megablock will have a notable impact on the CSMT-Byculla main line and the CSMT-Wadala harbor line routes, causing temporary disruptions for commuters in Mumbai.

Furthermore, Central Railway plans to transition from a mechanical to an electronic interlocking system during this period, with major civil and overhead equipment (OHE) upgrades already completed. To mitigate the impact on commuters, additional bus services have been requested from BEST in Mumbai, TMT in Thane, and MSRTC up to Kalyan. Transport unions are urged to enhance the deployment of autos and taxis around station areas to facilitate smoother travel.

In coordination with Western Railway, efforts are being made to avoid overlapping megablocks over the weekend, ensuring that maximum train services are maintained. The traffic police department is set to increase personnel deployment to manage the expected rise in road traffic resulting from the temporary changes in railway services.