Mumbai local train services on the Central Railway network were disrupted on Monday after a signal failure at Kanjurmarg and an overhead equipment issue between Thane and Mulund affected train movements in both directions, causing delays, bunching and trains being held between stations during the day.
Central Railway said the overhead equipment issue between Thane and Mulund was addressed after restoration work began at 10 am and was completed by 10.48 am. However, a separate incident involving a fire or smoke event in the relay room at Kanjurmarg affected signalling and communication systems, leaving signals blank between Bhandup and Vikhroli.
Central Railway Chief Public Relations Officer Swapnil Nila said railway personnel introduced special safety procedures to regulate services while restoration work continued. These included the use of Aboard authority and absolute block working, which require train movements to be controlled through defined operating permissions when normal signalling is unavailable.
According to updates from Central Railway’s Mumbai Division, all lines at Kanjurmarg were reported down at around 9.30 am after signals went blank. The disruption affected the section between Vikhroli and Bhandup, while the earlier overhead equipment problem affected the Thane-Mulund stretch. Both fast and slow services experienced operational difficulties.
The railway said the fifth and sixth lines between Vikhroli and Bhandup were also being operated under Aboard authority. Absolute block working was introduced between Vikhroli and Bhandup for down local and down through services, and between Bhandup and Vikhroli for up local and up through services. Trains were also authorised to operate under TD 912 authority.
Central Railway said down-track services had started operating under the special arrangements, while efforts were continuing to restore the up track. An operational update issued by the Mumbai Division said services were running behind schedule and experiencing bunching, and asked passengers to bear with the inconvenience.
The disruption affected commuters travelling through Thane, Mulund, Kanjurmarg, Vikhroli, Bhandup and adjoining stations. Several passengers reported being held inside trains between stations and complained on social media about delays and a lack of announcements. Some commuters said they were stranded for extended periods and missed work-related commitments because trains stopped between stations rather than at platforms where alternative travel options would have been easier to access.
The incidents highlighted the immediate operational dependence of the Central Railway suburban network on signalling, relay-room systems and overhead equipment working together. When one of these systems fails, trains must be moved under slower and more tightly controlled procedures to maintain safety, reducing the number of services that can be handled through affected sections.
Central Railway advised commuters to check service updates before travelling during the evening rush period. The railway’s stated next step was to complete restoration of normal signalling and resume regular operations on the up track.
