CR mega block: trains delayed, overcrowded, say commuters

Commuters travelling on the Central Railway (CR) suburban local trains were inconvenienced on Sunday, owing to multiple mega blocks undertaken by the zonal railway.

Commuters travelling on the Central Railway (CR) suburban local trains were inconvenienced on Sunday, owing to multiple mega blocks undertaken by the zonal railway. Suburban services ran at a delay of at least 15-20 minutes.

Mega Block on Central Line at Parel Station in Mumbai (Samson Tupdal/HT Photo)

Passengers complained of overcrowding on the local trains, especially at stations such as Dadar, Kurla, Kalyan, Thane, and Wadala. Services on the Kalyan-Kasara line were interrupted frequently owing to imposed power cuts. Several commuters complained of auto drivers charging high rates. The Kalyan Dombivli Municipal Corporation (KDMC) operated additional buses between Kalyan and Titwala. “I had to pay ₹250 to travel from Titwala to Kalyan station. This would normally cost ₹150,” said Ashish Jadhav, resident of Titwala.

On the main line, CR conducted a mega block between Mulund and Matunga stations on the Up fast line as well as a special mega block between Kalyan and Kasara stations. On the Harbour line, mega blocks were conducted between CSMT and Kurla stations, and CSMT and Bandra stations.

During the special block, foot overbridges (FOBs) at Shahad and Asangaon stations were dismantled, and other structures were removed from Asangaon and Kasara stations. CR also launched girders at Titwala and Tanshet stations.

Sunil Udasi, chief spokesperson for CR, said they installed overhead structures at Sandhurst Road railway bridge . “It was a difficult task due to the limited space,” he said.

(With inputs from Ankita G Menon)