Mega block: Services on all 3 lines affected

A mega block on both Central and Western Railway (WR) on Sunday, caused a lot of inconvenience to commuters, as trains did not halt at certain crucial stations.

A mega block on both Central and Western Railway (WR) on Sunday, caused a lot of inconvenience to commuters, as trains did not halt at certain crucial stations.

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On the central line, during the four-hour block from 11:30am to 3:30pm, the slow line services between Matunga and Mulund were diverted to the fast corridor. As a result, trains did not halt at Vidyavihar, Kanjurmarg and Nahur during this period.

On the Harbour line, the block was between Kurla and Mankhurd and all services from Kurla to Mankhurd remained suspended. Though services from Panvel to Mankhurd and Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (CST) to Kurla were operational, commuters complained that it did not help much.

“Since there were no services between Vashi and Mankhurd, I had a tough time reaching Chembur. The buses were over-crowded and taxis were charging an exorbitant amount. After an hour, I found one state transport bus which I managed to board and reach my destination,” said Sumita Shinde, 21, student and Vashi resident.

On WR, the slow trains were diverted to the fast corridor between Mahim and Marine Lines stations. These slow trains did not halt at Matunga Road, Elphinstone Road, Lower Parel and Mahalaxmi stations.

“The railways should ensure better coordination with local bus services, especially for areas where they are conducting blocks, so that commuters can at least find buses to reach their destination. Normally, during blocks it’s the taxis and autorickshaw drivers that make quick money as commuters have no option,” said Revati Joshi, 32, housewife and Mahalaxmi resident.