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Millions of passengers travel daily on the extremely crowded Kalyan–Thane–CSMT route of the Central Railway, known as the lifeline of Mumbai. Especially during the morning peak hours, this route sees a huge crowd of passengers. If local trains run even a few minutes late during office hours, it affects the entire schedule, and passengers face significant difficulties for the next few hours. Considering this serious issue, the Central Railway administration has now made an important and game-changing decision.
Long-distance mail and express trains coming from North India to Mumbai often directly impact the suburban local service. When an express train passes near a suburban station, local trains have to be stopped at signals for safety reasons. This causes locals to run 20 to 25 minutes late. This delay affects the working class heading to work in the morning the most. Due to the late arrival of locals, unbearable crowds form in the compartments, and passengers have to travel with their lives in their hands.
Express trains will stop outside the suburbs during peak hours
In this context, Central Railway has made a major decision that long-distance mail and express trains will not be allowed direct entry into Mumbai suburbs during peak hours. These trains will be stopped before stations like Titwala and Asangaon. From Titwala and Asangaon, a large number of local trains run daily towards CSMT, Dadar, and Kalyan. However, the arrival of express trains coming from the north on the same route was causing disruption to local services. The new decision will prioritize local services, and the schedule is likely to remain more disciplined.
Measures to address delays due to cold and fog
Typically, long-distance trains are expected to arrive in Mumbai suburbs before 5 AM. However, during winter, dense fog in North India often causes these trains to run 4 to 5 hours late. As a result, they arrive directly during the morning peak hours in Mumbai, creating a significant disruption in local services. According to the new rule, express trains arriving in the suburbs after 5 AM will be halted at the outskirts of Mumbai until the peak hour ends. Although long-distance passengers may have to endure some delay due to this decision, millions of local passengers will receive significant relief. This decision by Central Railway is being welcomed by passenger organizations, with the expectation that local services will become more timely and safe during the morning hours.
Central Railway's big decision; First priority to local trains during peak hours
Relief for local passengers! Express trains to stop only outside suburbs
Discipline on Kalyan–Thane–CSMT route, Central Railway's gamechanger plan