Mumbai: Metro's mega block from January 24-27

Mumbai Metro's first mega block will be conducted over the upcoming extended weekend. According to a statement by Mumbai Metro One Private Limited (MMOPL), "mega block on Versova–Andheri–Ghatkopar will be operated for carrying out maintenance work".

A three-day-long affair, it will start from Saturday. Unlike the suburban railway system wherein mega blocks are conducted on Sundays, usually from morning till afternoon, in the case of Metro, it will be carried out early in the morning.

For two hours every morning over the weekend all revenue services and boarding of train will be closed. Regular services will start from 7.30am. Usually, Metro services start at 5.30am. "Periodic preventive maintenance of Metro system will be undertaken. Regular announcements inside the trains and stations will be made to update commuters," read the statement.

Ever since the inauguration of Mumbai Metro on June 8, 2014, maintenance activity has been carried out at night, ie when passenger services are not in operation. This is the first time Metro passenger service hours will be included for system maintenance work.

Even Central and Western Railways in Mumbai carry out mega blocks for maintenance of the rolling stock like rails, overhead wires, cabling, etc. This is necessary for efficient and punctual rail services, a compromise on maintenance would result in disruption in services, which Mumbaikars have been witnessing for the last one year on CR.