Suburban train services betwn Virar-Dahanu likely by Jan 2012

Mumbai, Jan 31 (PTI) The Western Railway today said themuch-awaited suburban train services between Virar and Dahanuis likely to begin by January 2012.

"We have identified that the two bridges between Vangaonand Dahanu Road are weak. The repair work has begun and itwill take one year. Most likely the suburban train services onthis line will begin by next year," Western Railway GeneralManager R N Verma said.

"Express and passenger trains that are operational fromVirar to Dahanu are 10.6 feet wide whereas the width of thesuburban trains is 12 feet. The tracks will have to be widenedalong the route to ensure there is no friction between the twotrains running in the opposite direction," Verma said.

The 60-km stretch between Virar and Dahanu has sevenstations - Vaitarna, Saphale, Kelve Road, Palghar, Umroli,Boisar and Vangaon.

WR has seen a increase in 12 car services in the lastthree years by 75 per cent. "Now 75 per cent of total 1,210services are 12 car services," Verma informed.

"Sixth line till suburban Borivali station is planned.

The long distance trains will have dedicated 5th and 6th linethus fast corridor will become available exclusively forsuburban trains," Verma said.

On Foot Over Bridges (FOBs), Verma, informed, thatrecently three FOBs at Goregaon, Vasai Road, and Nalasoparahave been commissioned. Three more FOBs are underconstruction, while eight more FOBs have been sanctioned and30 more are in pipeline.