Central Railway utilises mega block to remove 'diamond crossing'

Trains on the slow line will now run a tad faster as during the work of launching girder at Parel station, the Central Railway (CR) removed a 'diamond crossing' which had been slowing trains heading towards Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT).

Diamond crossing is where several tracks intersect. "It was affecting the slow and fast lines after trains left Parel station. We have now removed it which has given a freehand for trains to move," said a CR official.

Speed restriction at the spot was at 65kmph but now trains can touch 100kmph when the signal is green. This could improve the train's schedule by two minutes or so.

Meanwhile, the block that CR authorities chiefly took for launching girders for a 12-meter wide FOB was delayed by an hour.

The girders have been placed 6250mm above rail level. The completed work is on the CR's jurisdiction. Now the Western Railway needs to join the FOB from their end. Railway officials agreed that it would be a tougher job there as there is a power substation, little space for heavy-duty cranes and other materials. The dates for this block has not been decided yet.