Commuters on Mumbai’s suburban network operated by Western Railway are likely to face significant inconvenience this weekend, with 299 local train services cancelled due to a 21-hour mega block between Kandivali and Borivali.
According to railway officials, the block will be in effect from 10:30 pm on Saturday until 7:30 pm on Sunday on the slow lines. Additionally, the down fast line will be affected for a shorter duration, from 1:00 am to 4:30 am on Sunday.
A total of 45 train services will be cancelled on Saturday, while 254 services will remain suspended on Sunday. Several suburban trains will be short-terminated at Andheri and Goregaon stations. Moreover, platforms 1 and 2 at Borivali station will remain non-operational during the block period.
The shutdown has been scheduled to facilitate key infrastructure works, including the strengthening of Bridge 61 over a nullah and the installation of prestressed concrete (PSC) slabs on Bridge 56-A between Malad and Kandivali. Railway authorities said these upgrades are part of ongoing efforts to enhance safety and operational efficiency.
“We will use a shadow block to finish some more pending works such as Harbour line extension and launching of girders at Kandivali station,” said an officer from Western Railway.
To minimise commuter inconvenience, officials have planned 25 additional train services. During the block, trains will be diverted to alternate lines between Goregaon and Borivali. As a result, down (Virar-bound) trains will not halt at Ram Mandir, Malad, and Kandivali stations.
In addition, all 15-coach slow services will operate as fast trains between Andheri and Borivali, altering regular stopping patterns and potentially impacting travel plans for daily passengers.
Source: Hindustan Times
