In a push to enhance rail safety and efficiency, the Central Railway (CR) has replaced 65 km of tracks in Mumbai since April 2024. With a target of 126 km by April 2025, the track replacement initiative underscores CR’s commitment to maintaining high standards of railway operations in one of the busiest metropolitan rail networks in the world.
The project is being undertaken as several tracks in Mumbai have reached the end of their operational lifecycle. Railway officials have highlighted the coastal city’s humid climate as a significant factor in accelerating wear and tear on tracks. Regular maintenance and lifecycle-based replacements are crucial to ensuring the safety and reliability of the rail infrastructure. The replacement process involves intricate planning and execution, with 30 railway officials from various departments coordinating the effort. Specialised machines are deployed to dismantle old tracks and lay down new ones. Following installation, the tracks undergo precision welding and alignment to meet rigorous operational standards.
The focus areas for this project include critical sections within the Mumbai division, such as Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) to Kalyan, Kalyan to Lonavala, Kalyan to Igatpuri, and Panvel. These routes are among the most heavily used, with 1,810 local train services and 250–300 mail and express trains operating daily. Track replacement is meticulously carried out during scheduled blocks, which last for a few hours and allow for minimal disruption to regular services. During each block, between 200 and 600 metres of track are replaced. The strategy ensures that critical upgrades are achieved without causing significant inconvenience to commuters. This ambitious project not only reflects CR’s focus on infrastructure modernization but also plays a crucial role in enhancing the safety, punctuality, and efficiency of Mumbai’s lifeline—the suburban railway system.
The Central Railway (CR) has achieved a significant milestone, replacing 65 km of tracks within the Mumbai division in just eight months. This ambitious track replacement project, aimed at enhancing operational efficiency and passenger safety, plans to cover 126 km by April 2025. According to railway officials, the tracks being replaced have reached the end of their operational lifespan. Factors such as ageing infrastructure and the coastal region’s humid climate, which accelerates wear and tear, have necessitated this comprehensive overhaul. Routine maintenance and lifecycle-based replacements are integral to the process, ensuring the safety and reliability of one of Mumbai’s busiest rail networks. The ongoing replacement work is a collaborative effort involving around 30 railway officials from various departments. Specialised machinery is employed to remove the deteriorated rails and install new ones. These tracks are subsequently welded and aligned with precision to meet stringent operational standards.
The project spans the Mumbai division, covering key sections such as Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) to Kalyan, Kalyan to Lonavala, Kalyan to Igatpuri, and Panvel. These crucial routes handle an impressive daily load of 1,810 local train services, along with 250 to 300 mail and express trains. Track replacement is conducted during planned blocks, which last for a few hours, ensuring minimal disruption to services. During each block, 200 to 600 metres of tracks are replaced, showcasing the efficiency and precision of the operations. This initiative reflects CR’s commitment to modernising infrastructure and ensuring commuter safety. The successful implementation of this project is expected to strengthen Mumbai’s rail network, a lifeline for millions of passengers every day.
