The local train, which is considered the identity of Mumbai, is once again in the headlines. This lifeline that transports lakhs of people to office, college and work every day is now going to be put to a temporary break. Taking a big decision, Western Railway has announced closure of local train services running between Goregaon to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) for three months. Due to this decision, 88 local trains running daily will be affected, due to which the problems of the passengers may definitely increase.
According to the Railways, this block is being taken to demolish and rebuild the Bandra-Khar Railway Bridge. This bridge is an important part of the ambitious project of laying the fifth and sixth railway lines between Mumbai Central and Borivali. The objective of this project is to increase the capacity of the suburban rail network, reduce crowding of trains and provide better services to the passengers in future. Earlier, a time limit of six months was fixed for this work, but in view of the problems faced by the passengers, it has been reduced to three months.
Passengers have faced problems before also
This is not the first time that local services are being affected due to this project. Earlier, between December and January, 200 to 250 local trains had to be canceled daily during the construction of the fifth and sixth lines in the Kandivali to Borivali section. Now after completion of that phase, the work has been shifted to Goregaon-CSMT section, which is considered more technically challenging.
Passengers will get some relief
However, it is a matter of relief for the passengers that local train services between Bandra and CSMT will continue. The work of the fifth and sixth lines between Bandra and Borivali has already been completed, due to which the operation of trains in this section will not be affected.
How to travel?
Passengers traveling from Goregaon and nearby stations have been advised to take Western Line local trains towards Churchgate or reach Bandra by road. From Bandra they can reach their destination using the services of Harbor Line or Central Railway.
How big is the project?
This expansion project of Western Railway has been approved at a cost of about Rs 964.84 crore. After its completion, there will be a major improvement in Mumbai’s suburban rail network and in future the passengers will get the benefit of less crowd and better connectivity. At present, this three-month break is definitely a challenge for the passengers, but in the long run, it is being considered a necessary step for the local system of Mumbai.
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