Mumbai Local Train Services: New Train Schedule Aims to Alleviate CSMT Congestion—Find Out What’s Changing

Starting October 5, the Central Railway (CR) will implement a new timetable for local trains aimed at improving the flow of services and reducing congestion at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT), as reported by Hindustan Times (HT). This new schedule focuses on running short-route trains to better serve commuters in Central Mumbai.

According to CR authorities, the arrival and departure of 22 fast train services will be moved from CSMT to Dadar station, which is more convenient for many commuters. These fast trains will now operate from Platform 11 at Dadar station.

A Central Railway official explained, "The whole idea is to cater to the public that works in Central Mumbai areas such as Dadar, Lower Parel, Prabhadevi, Worli, and Parel, where many offices have been established. This will benefit commuters, as there will be more fast trains starting from Dadar." In addition, 24 train services on the slow line will now run from Dadar to Parel, increasing options for passengers.

Since the opening of the new Parel station, which features a terminus facility, CR has been operating 22 train services towards Thane, Kalyan, and further north. With the addition of the 24 new services, the total number of trains servicing this route will rise to 46.

An important change in the new timetable is the introduction of at least four fast train services that will stop at Kalwa and Mumbra. Two of these services will be available during the morning peak hours, and two will operate during the evening peak hours. These trains run on the Badlapur/Asangaon/Titwala-CSMT route.

Madhu Kotian, president of the Mumbai Rail Pravasi Sangh, expressed satisfaction, stating in HT, "We are glad that our suggestions to focus on Central Mumbai and halts for fast trains at Kalwa and Mumbra have been accepted by the rail authorities."

A key feature of this year's timetable is the introduction of short-shuttle services. There are at least nine services planned that will operate between Thane-Kalyan and Thane-Kurla. This adjustment is expected to improve turnaround times and provide commuters with less crowded trains, especially during busy periods.

However, some passengers feel that the changes may not benefit everyone. Lata Argade, a member of a railway passenger association, noted in HT, "This will partially help commuters. However, those travelling beyond Kalyan will not benefit as they will not alight at Kalyan to take less crowded trains."

CR officials responded by stating that they have extended the halts of a few train services beyond Kalyan and converted a non-AC train to an AC local train between Kurla and Kalyan. They expect to add two new AC rakes to their current fleet of six AC trains, which operate 66 services daily. The Railway Board has already approved this addition. With each AC train running between 10 to 12 services per day, this will further enhance the availability of AC services.

Currently, CR operates 66 daily services, transporting an average of 76,477 commuters, based on data from April to August 2024. This is a significant increase from 57,214 commuters during the same period in 2023-24.