Wheels of change: Old local train tracks in Mumbai to be replaced

To reduce rail fractures and ensure there are no disruptions, railway officials plan to complete track renewal by early next year

Suburban railway commuters can heave a sigh of relief as the rail fractures, which affect local train services, are soon likely to decrease.

A stretch near Ghatkopar station, where work will begin soon. (HT)

To improve stability of the railway line, reduce rail fractures and ensure a smooth suburban rail journey, Central and the Western Railway officials will ensure that the track renewal project is completed by early next year.

Track renewal — the process of changing and replacing old rail and sleepers on the tracks — is being carried out across India. According to officials, the railway ministry plans to spend Rs100 crore on the work.

The track renewals are done by section and not on the entire stretch at once. Work is carried out mainly at night or during maintenance blocks.

CR officials have started working on the suburban section and have laid railway lines adjacent to the current tracks. Renewal work is likely to be carried out at a section near the Ghatkopar railway station when there is a block.

“We are taking up the section-wise renewal of tracks. Work on the suburban section should be completed by early 2018. Once this is done, commuters will have a smooth journey,” said a railway official.

There have been several instances of train services being disrupted owing to rail fractures. Recently, there has been an increase in rail fractures on the harbour line, which officials are working on different techniques to resolve.