Central Railway will implement major upgrades at the Karjat rail yard on September 30, leading to temporary disruptions for suburban and long-distance services. Officials confirmed that the remodelling is part of a broader initiative to enhance operational safety, increase capacity, and streamline train movement along the busy Karjat–Khopoli stretch.
The comprehensive overhaul involves installing new track crossing points, erecting modern overhead equipment (OHE) portals, dismantling obsolete structures, and transitioning to electronic interlocking of signals. According to senior railway officials, these upgrades are expected to significantly improve punctuality and reduce delays for both freight and passenger trains. Four suburban services on the Karjat–Khopoli route will be suspended to facilitate the renovation. In addition, testing of signalling equipment, tracks, and points will require approximately 12 hours from late Saturday night into Sunday, temporarily halting train operations to and from Pune.
The remodelling project will also extend existing rail lines within the yard from 600–700 metres to over 800 metres. This expansion will accommodate longer freight trains of up to 50 wagons, which currently face operational constraints due to wagons extending beyond platform lengths. Officials highlighted that this extension will reduce congestion and allow both local and long-distance trains to move more efficiently through the ghat section. Additional lines are being laid to improve the movement of goods trains, while platforms will be extended to handle 24-coach long-distance trains without requiring double halts. Experts estimate that the average waiting time for trains in the yard could reduce from five to seven minutes currently to two to three minutes once the upgrades are commissioned.
“This remodelling forms part of Central Railway’s long-term plan to boost safety, operational efficiency, and capacity along critical ghat sections,” said a senior official. “With electronic interlocking and upgraded infrastructure, both passenger convenience and freight handling will see significant improvements.” Railway experts have emphasised that the project aligns with sustainable and eco-friendly operational practices. By reducing congestion, idling times, and delays, the initiative is expected to lower energy consumption and emissions across the network. Officials are also ensuring that safety protocols and environmental compliance are integrated into the renovation process, promoting gender-neutral, equitable, and sustainable railway services.
Central Railway has requested passengers to plan their travel accordingly and follow updates from official sources regarding cancellations and rescheduling. The authority reiterated that the temporary inconvenience is intended to ensure long-term safety, reliability, and efficiency of train operations in the region.
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