Central Railway has announced a scheduled special traffic and power block between Kurla and Bhandup stations in Mumbai from the night of May 15 to May 18, 2026, to facilitate infrastructure work at Vidyavihar station.
According to officials, the block will be implemented to support the launching of girders for a new middle Foot Over Bridge (FOB) at Vidyavihar railway station. The railway administration stated that the work is essential for strengthening passenger safety and improving station infrastructure.
The maintenance operation will be carried out over three nights in the Kurla–Bhandup section during the following time slots:
- May 15/16: 1.15 am to 4.15 am
- May 16/17: 12.10 am to 4.40 am
- May 17/18: 1.15 am to 3.05 am
Railway officials confirmed that the affected stretch will include UP and Down slow lines on the first night, while the second night will see restrictions across UP and Down slow, fast lines, as well as the 5th and 6th lines. No major disruption is expected on the nights of May 15/16 and May 17/18.
During the Saturday–Sunday night block, several suburban services will be regulated, including diversion, short termination and cancellation of trains.
Down slow trains towards Karjat leaving Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) between 11.30 pm and 12.12 am will run via the Down fast line between Matunga and Mulund and will skip stops at Vidyavihar, Kanjurmarg and Nahur. Similarly, UP slow services from Kasara towards CSMT and Karjat-bound trains during early morning hours will operate on the UP fast line between Mulund and Matunga, bypassing the same stations.
A few suburban services will be cancelled, including Thane–Kurla, Thane–CSMT, and select CSMT–Thane locals during the block period. Some trains will be short-terminated at Kurla or Thane, while a few services will originate from alternate stations such as Thane instead of Vidyavihar or Kurla.
Railway officials clarified that Mail and Express train operations will not be affected on May 16/17. However, changes may be made for special or delayed trains based on operational needs.
Central Railway has urged passengers to cooperate during the temporary disruption, stating that the block is necessary for long-term infrastructure improvement and commuter safety.
Source: Mid-day
