The Central Railway (CR) will implement a 63-hour mega block starting from midnight on May 30 for platform extension works across the Mumbai network. This significant undertaking will impact local train services, crucial to the city's commuters, and disrupt the schedules of millions of travellers. The mega block aims to facilitate platform extension and widening activities at CSMT and Thane stations. With both local and long-distance train services expected to be severely affected, railway authorities urge commuters to avoid unnecessary travel during this period.

Rajneesh Goyal, Divisional Railway Manager, Central Railway's Mumbai division, explained that the mega block entails widening platform numbers 5 and 6 at Thane and extending platform numbers 10 and 11 at CSMT. This expansion will enable the provision of amenities like escalators and wider staircases for the Foot Over Bridges (FOBs).

During the mega block, a total of 72 mail-express trains and 956 suburban trains on the main and Harbour corridors will be cancelled from Friday to Sunday. Additionally, some trains will be short-terminated and short-originated from various stations. To mitigate inconvenience, railway authorities have urged establishments to facilitate work-from-home arrangements and requested additional bus services from Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST) and Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC).

The block aims to enhance infrastructure capabilities, including extending platforms at CSMT to accommodate longer trains and widening platforms at Thane to alleviate overcrowding. Despite the disruption, railway officials emphasise the long-term benefits of these infrastructure upgrades and urge passengers to cooperate during this essential maintenance period.

(ET Infra)