Mumbai’s Central Railway network came to an unexpected standstill on Thursday afternoon after suburban train operations between Diva and Kalwa were halted for 26 minutes. The disruption, caused by the Diva level crossing gate remaining open for road traffic, brought the city’s suburban lifeline to a grinding halt and reignited long-standing concerns over delayed civic infrastructure.
The stoppage, which occurred between 12:20 pm and 12:46 pm, affected at least ten local trains and two long-distance services — including the LTT–Saharsa Amrit Bharat Express and the Mumbai LTT Special. As the tracks fell silent, platforms at Diva, Kalwa, and Thane swelled with stranded commuters, many of whom rely on these short-distance trains for daily travel to work and school. Railway officials stated that the crossing gate could not be closed on time due to heavy vehicular traffic, making it unsafe to permit train movement. “An unusually high volume of road vehicles caused a delay in securing the crossing, forcing us to halt services for safety reasons,” said an official. The situation underlined the fragile balance between Mumbai’s overburdened road and rail systems, both of which struggle to keep pace with rapid urbanisation.
The Diva level crossing is one of the busiest along the suburban corridor, opened over 35 times a day to accommodate vehicular movement. Each opening typically causes a delay of five to seven minutes, but on days like Thursday, the repercussions are magnified. According to officials, such disruptions cumulatively affect over 100 train services daily — a figure that highlights the cascading effect of infrastructure bottlenecks on commuter reliability and the city’s productivity. At the heart of the issue lies the incomplete Road Over Bridge (ROB) designed to replace the level crossing. While the railway segment of the bridge was completed years ago, the adjoining approach roads — falling under the jurisdiction of the Thane Municipal Corporation (TMC) — remain unfinished. The incomplete connection has left both rail commuters and motorists in a recurring cycle of congestion and delay.
Officials attributed the delay to unresolved land acquisition challenges. Construction on the eastern approach, stretching 345 metres, is progressing with piers and abutments already in place. However, the western side remains stalled, with around 300 metres pending due to land disputes. “The delay in approach road construction is beyond the railway’s scope. It lies with the municipal authorities,” clarified another railway official. Urban mobility experts note that this episode underscores the urgent need for inter-agency coordination and timely infrastructure delivery. In a city striving toward sustainable, equitable, and low-carbon transport, outdated crossings and half-completed bridges remain glaring contradictions. The recurring halts not only inconvenience passengers but also increase fuel wastage and emissions from idling vehicles and delayed trains — a setback for Mumbai’s sustainability goals.
Until the ROB is fully operational, thousands of daily commuters will remain vulnerable to sudden disruptions. The Diva incident serves as yet another reminder that efficient transport infrastructure is not just a civic necessity but an environmental imperative for a growing metropolis like Mumbai.
Mumbai Train Services Halted For 26 Minutes Between Diva And Kalwa Section
