Central Railway mega block on October 14 for work on separate express train tracks

After several hiccups, one of the most important work for laying new rail lines between Thane and Diva was partially completed on Sunday — the existing rail lines were shifted to make room for two new lines.

However, commuters availing Central Railway services will likely have to deal with a mega block on October 14 from 8.30 am to 5.30 pm, as the second leg of this project will be carried out. The two new rail lines will segregate the local trains from the long distance ones, which have caused logjams between Thane and Diva station.

The railway officials said that after a fortnight, they will lay down tracks for the new line which will serve as slow line for local trains once ready. On September 30, the Mumbai Railway Vikas Corporation (MRVC) and CR authorities shifted the existing rail lines after cutting it between the south end of Kalwa till Mumbra through the old tunnel.

"We are creating space to accommodate two new rail lines by shifting the existing ones. Another rail block is likely on October 14 for similar work," said R Khurana, Chairman and Managing Director, MRVC.

The work on the Thane-Diva fifth and sixth line has been going on for nearly a decade now. This work is very vital for successfully completing the project, which is slated for completion next year.

There was a change in the alignment as the rail officials found it difficult to dig a tunnel. A new 1-km-long rail bridge was constructed near Mumbra. Sources said that lot more work is pending. In the days to come, they will also shift and connect the fast tracks on both Up and Down lines before they begin laying the fifth and sixth lines meant for long distance trains only.

Due to the mega block on October 14, local trains will be running late by 20-30 minutes.

WORK IN PROGRESS

• Due to the mega block on October 14, local trains will be running late by 20-30 minutes. The mega block will be on from 8.30 am to 5.30 pm.
   
• Last Sunday, MRVC and CR authorities shifted the existing rail lines after cutting it between the south end of Kalwa till Mumbra through the old tunnel.