Mumbaikars Face Extended Delays Amid Signalling System Overhaul

Mumbaikars continued to experience delays on Central Railway services due to a new signalling system. The disruptions followed two mega blocks for platform expansion at Thane and CSMT. Technical glitches affected train schedules, causing significant delays and commuter frustration.

The morning after a 63-hour mega block, Mumbaikars continued to face delays on the Central Railway, with authorities attributing the disruptions to a newly installed signalling system.

Over the weekend, Central Railway implemented a 36-hour and a 63-hour block to widen platforms at Thane station. A new Electronic Interlocking (EI) signalling system was installed at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT). However, the system is still stabilizing, leading to delays, especially during peak hours.

'Many problems can only be identified after the actual movement of trains. Technical teams are on the job, addressing these issues,' Central Railway said in a post on the social media platform 'X.'

The delays have significantly impacted commuters, extending travel times, especially between key stations like Dadar and CSMT. The Central Railway stated that trains were delayed by 25 to 30 minutes, while passengers reported longer delays due to train bunching and other technical glitches. The commute from Thane to CSMT, which usually takes under an hour, now extends beyond two hours.

Central Railway's divisional railway manager for Mumbai acknowledged the delays. 'The suburban services on our network are running 15 to 20 minutes late due to a technical issue between Kopar and Diva stations in Thane district and at CSMT,' they said.

In addition to the signalling issues, over 900 suburban services were canceled during the mega blocks at Thane and CSMT, affecting more than 30 lakh commuters.