Punctual services for Mumbai’s Western Railway commuters in the offing

The Western Railway’s (WR) Mumbai division plans to upgrade its system to increase the speed of suburban trains and make its services punctual. For this, it has proposed to use the fifth line between Andheri and Borivli stations, which is currently used only by long-distance trains.

The Western Railway’s (WR) Mumbai division plans to upgrade its system to increase the speed of suburban trains and make its services punctual. For this, it has proposed to use the fifth line between Andheri and Borivli stations, which is currently used only by long-distance trains.

Using the fifth line for suburban trains between Andheri and Borivli stations will help Western Railway decongest the currently used existing four lines. (HT FILE PHOTO)

According to officials, the train frequency on the fifth line is one train every hour, which is very low. So, WR plans to install an Auxiliary Warning System (AWS), which will keep officials posted on the arrival of long-distance trains and let them schedule the timings for suburban trains to use the line.

“The signal and telecom department has been directed to install the auxiliary warning system on the fifth line. The proposal worth Rs76 lakh involves installation of 32 AWS on a 14-km stretch between Andheri and Borivli,” said an official.

Using the fifth line for suburban trains will help WR decongest the currently used existing four lines.

“Once completed, we will be able to use it as suburban line and shift at least 20 fast services on it. This will allow us to increase the speed of fast trains and ensure all our services are punctual,” said Mukul Jain, divisional railway manger, Mumbai division.