Commute on central line to get faster

The process of making your train commute faster between Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (CST) and Kalyan has begun. HT reports.

The process of making your train commute faster between Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (CST) and Kalyan has begun.

HT Image

Work on setting up substations, which will supply 25,000 volts of electricity to trains after conversion to alternating current (AC) from 1,500 volts of direct current — between CST and Vidyavihar will begin by April.

The upgraded technology will result in faster commute, power conservation and fewer train delays.

“By 2012, nearly 37 lakh commuters can expect faster commute up to CST as we expect the conversion work to complete,” said AK Singh, Central Railway spokesperson.

After the conversion process is complete on the central line, suburban trains that were restricted to a speed of 80 kmph can run at 100 kmph easily, with an 8% increase in carrying capacity.

The Mumbai Rail Vikas Corporation will begin work on installing substations at Chinchpokli and Sion, which are responsible for supplying power to overhead wires by April.

The Central Railway will also begin work of installing substations at Thane and Thakurli, apart from DC-AC conversion.

Simultaneously, the corporation will install switching posts that would act like mini-power supply points at CST, Sandhurst Road, Vidyavihar, Dadar and Parel. All these equipment would ensure faster commute between CST and Kalyan after the conversion process is complete.

“We expect to complete work of installing the transformers and other electric equipment necessary for supplying power to trains in the next two years,” said a senior MRVC official, on condition of anonymity because he is not authorised to speak to the media.