Signal Issue Delays Central Railway Services Near Asangaon
Mumbai’s already overcrowded local train services faced a significant setback on Thursday morning as a signal malfunction near Asangaon station on the Central Railway’s main line led to major disruptions. The technical issue, which was reported around 8 am, was swiftly addressed by railway authorities, with the fault being rectified by 9 am. However, the brief malfunction had a cascading impact on the morning rush hour, resulting in substantial delays to numerous suburban services.
The problem primarily affected the Kalyan-Asangaon route, causing a ripple effect across other services due to rake link disruptions. In total, 18 local train services were delayed, with the delays ranging from 15 to 30 minutes. This left thousands of commuters stranded, further exacerbating the already high levels of congestion on platforms. As the delays unfolded during peak travel hours, frustrated passengers expressed their anger over the lack of a reliable backup system for such disruptions. “The signal issue was resolved within an hour, but the delays have created chaos during the busiest travel time,” said a Central Railway official. Commuters, many of whom were on their way to work or other essential engagements, were left grappling with overcrowded trains and platforms, making their daily commute even more arduous.
The incident on Thursday follows a similar disruption earlier in the week, where a rail fracture on the Harbour Line between Vashi and Mankhurd led to service interruptions. Such recurring technical glitches highlight ongoing concerns regarding the maintenance of Mumbai’s suburban railway infrastructure. While railway authorities have assured that measures are being taken to reduce the likelihood of similar disruptions in the future, passengers have called for greater focus on timely maintenance and enhanced technical systems to prevent such issues from escalating during peak travel times.
