Mumbai’s Central Railway services faced significant disruptions on Tuesday evening, with trains running 15 minutes late during the peak hour rush. The delays caused chaos at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) as a surge in commuter traffic led to overcrowded coaches and congested platforms.
Regular commuter frustration was evident as trains remained stationary at CSMT despite being scheduled for departure. One commuter noted, “The indicators showed trains as per the timetable, and the trains were at CSMT station, but the departures were delayed. This inconvenienced several office goers during rush hour.” The delays affected not only CSMT but also other key stations like Dadar, Kurla, and Thane, where crowds grew rapidly.
The delays were not limited to the evening rush. Trains traveling from the suburbs to CSMT in the late afternoon also experienced delays of 15-20 minutes between Dadar and CSMT, compounding commuter frustration.
An official from Central Railway attributed the delays to ongoing adjustments in the new electronic inter-locking system. “There have been delays over the past few days as well,” the official explained. “This will be corrected once a few changes are incorporated in the new system.” The assurance, however, did little to ease the immediate inconvenience faced by thousands of daily commuters relying on timely train services. The impact of these delays extended beyond CSMT, affecting the operational efficiency of other lines and platforms. The ripple effect was particularly noticeable at major interchange stations, where commuters transferring between lines found themselves caught in growing crowds and delayed schedules.
This incident highlights the critical need for robust infrastructure and timely updates to signalling systems to prevent such widespread disruptions. Commuters, especially office goers, depend heavily on the punctuality of Mumbai’s suburban rail network, which serves as the city’s lifeline. Any interruption in this service not only hampers daily schedules but also raises safety concerns due to overcrowding on platforms and trains.
As Central Railway officials work to rectify the issues with the electronic inter-locking system, it is imperative that interim measures are taken to manage the crowd and ensure smoother operations. The situation calls for improved communication with commuters, possibly through real-time updates on delays and expected resolution times.
