Five-hour mega block brings CR services to a halt

There seems to be no respite for those travelling in Mumbai local trains. On Sunday, commuters on both the Central and the Harbour line faced a harrowing time because of a five-hour mega block.

There seems to be no respite for those travelling in Mumbai local trains. On Sunday, commuters on both the Central and the Harbour line faced a harrowing time because of a five-hour mega block.

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The Central Railway (CR) had imposed a block on the fast corridor between Kalyan and Thane, due to which all trains had to be diverted to the slow corridor. As a result all the trains were running late.

Those taking the harbour line were the worst affected as all services between Panvel and Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (CST) were suspended due to the maintenance block between Nerul and Mankhurd.

“We understand that maintenance work is important but the railways can at least coordinate with the state and local bus transport authorities, so that we at least have one alternative conveyance system available,” said Rohini Desai, a resident of Kharghar.

“Today we were stuck with no other transport option, as very few buses ply on Sundays, and the ones that run are always packed with people,” she said.

The Central Railway Mumbai division has already witnessed seven derailments in this financial year.

This is a huge passenger safety issue, as train derailment jeopardises passenger safety and also affects suburban traffic, leading to delay and cancellation of services.