Mumbai commuters on the Harbour and Trans Harbour Lines will face disruptions in their daily routines as Central Railway (CR) announces a major mega block lasting 22 days. This block, extended to five hours nightly, from 12:30 am to 5:30 am, will affect 37 train services until October 2. The reason behind this disruption is the ongoing construction work on the Dadri-JNPT Western Dedicated Freight Corridor (WDFC), which aims to boost the economy through faster freight train movements.
Extended Mega Block Affects Commuters
Mega Block Duration Extended: The Central Railway has decided to extend the duration of the mega block on the Harbour Line, impacting daily train schedules. Starting on September 11, this extended block will last until October 2, affecting both early morning and late-night train services.
Changes in Train Schedules: During this period, the last local train departing from Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) for Panvel will be at 10:58 pm. Several trains departing for Panvel from CSMT at 11:14 pm, 12:24 am, 5:18 am, and 6:40 am will be canceled. Some trains will be short-terminated at Belapur station instead of Panvel.
Inconvenience for Early Morning Commuters: The extension of the mega block will also inconvenience commuters who rely on early morning trains to reach their workplaces. With the block in place, Panvel-bound trains during the late night and early morning hours will also be canceled.
Purpose Behind the Mega Block
Dedicated Freight Corridor Construction: The mega block is necessitated by the construction of two tracks (up and down) for the dedicated freight corridor at Panvel station. This construction work began on August 18, and the original plan was for a 45-day project duration, concluding on October 2.
Increased Block Time: To meet the October 2 deadline at Panvel, CR authorities had to increase the block time to accommodate the construction work. As of now, 70% of the work on the entire 1,506 km dedicated freight corridor, stretching from Dadri in Delhi, is already completed.
Impact on Train Services
Train Cancellations and Short Terminations: The extended mega block will result in the cancellation and short termination of 24 train services on the CSMT-Panvel Harbour corridor and 13 services on the Thane-Panvel Trans Harbour network.
Commuter Concerns: Commuters, especially those traveling to Panvel, express concerns about the inconvenience caused by the block. Traveling from Belapur to Panvel during the block becomes challenging, as auto rickshaws may charge higher fares. Commuters are questioning whether the railways will provide compensation for these difficulties.
Ambitious Freight Corridor Projects
Railways’ Economic Boost Strategy: The dedicated freight corridors are part of the Indian Railways’ ambitious projects aimed at boosting the economy through faster freight train movements. The Eastern Dedicated Freight Corridor (EDFC) and the Dadri-JNPT Western corridor are two such initiatives. While the EDFC is nearing completion, the Western corridor still has some way to go.
Significant Freight Movement: The Western Dedicated Freight Corridor, covering a distance of 1,506 km from Dadri near Delhi to JNPT in Navi Mumbai, is approximately 70% complete. This operational section has already witnessed over one lakh goods and freight trains.
Commuters Advised to Plan Ahead
Advice to Commuters: Central Railway authorities advise commuters to plan their travel carefully during this construction period. Train schedules have been adjusted to accommodate the ongoing work at Panvel station. Commuters are encouraged to stay updated with Central Railway announcements for any further changes or updates.
Alternate Arrangements: For those affected by the mega block, authorities are in discussions with various transport agencies, including BEST, state transport corporations, Navi Mumbai, and Thane civic transport authorities, to provide alternate arrangements such as extra buses.
While the extended mega block may pose challenges for Mumbai’s local train commuters, it is a necessary step to facilitate the construction of the Dadri-JNPT Western Dedicated Freight Corridor. As this project progresses, it holds the promise of faster and more efficient freight transportation, contributing to India’s economic growth. Commuters are urged to plan their journeys accordingly and stay updated with official announcements to mitigate inconvenience during this period.
