Mumbai’s Western Railway services are experiencing delays of 15 to 20 minutes this Monday morning, primarily due to a significant maintenance operation at Malad station. The disruption is the result of a 10-hour maintenance block implemented over the weekend, aimed at upgrading rail infrastructure.
The maintenance block, executed between August 31 and September 1, involved the cutting and rejoining of tracks to establish a new rail line. As a precautionary measure, trains in the area are now operating at reduced speeds, approximately 30 kilometres per hour, to ensure safety. According to a Western Railway spokesperson, “There are no technical failures. We have issued caution orders, which have necessitated the reduction in train speeds.” The recent upgrades included the commissioning of a new 1.4-kilometre track section at Malad West, designated for Virar-bound ‘Down’ slow trains.
This new infrastructure is expected to improve operational efficiency by segregating suburban trains from long-distance services. To support these enhancements, Western Railway has also commenced the construction of a sixth line between Goregaon and Kandivali stations. This additional line is part of a broader effort to streamline train operations and reduce congestion. The 10-hour block required extensive coordination among the Engineering, Signal & Telecommunication (S&T), and Electrical departments, with approximately 400 workers and heavy machinery, such as JCBs and tamping machines, deployed to the site.
While the temporary disruptions are inconvenient for daily commuters, the long-term benefits of these improvements are anticipated to enhance overall rail service reliability and efficiency. The Western Railway authorities are working diligently to minimise further delays and restore normal service levels as swiftly as possible.
