Mumbai Local Trains To Run Slow On Bandra-Mahim Stretch Amid Bridge Upgrade: WR Cancels 334 Trains

Mumbai local train services on the Western Railway line will run slowly this week between Bandra and Mahim. This is because of a speed restriction of 20-30 kilometres per hour placed on trains crossing the Mithi River, as reported by Hindustan Times. According to officials, this limit will be gradually increased to 45 kilometres per hour by the end of the week.

Over the weekend, the Western Railway (WR) carried out important work on the old rail bridge over the Mithi River. The bridge, which dates back to the British era, had cast iron screw piles supporting the tracks. These were replaced with modern steel girders.

The work was done over two nights, from Friday to Sunday, as part of the second and final phase of the project. Each night, a block of 9.5 hours was used, during which time train services were stopped. A total of 334 local train services were cancelled due to these mega blocks.

WR engineers explained that they dismantled the old abutments resting on the cast iron piles and rebuilt them. They also installed steel girders and upgraded the electrical, signalling, and transmission (S&T) systems.

A WR official said, "The work was completed using a 700-tonne crane, with one extra crane kept ready. Other equipment included 10 dumpers, a Poclain machine, two JCBs, a tamping machine, tower wagons, and around 150 workers. These changes will help trains run more safely, as the old foundations were in poor condition and could have collapsed without warning."

There were several challenges during the operation. One of the main tasks was to plan the work in a way that caused the least disruption to regular train services. Another challenge was building a 'coffer dam' on both sides of the Mithi River to control water flow and prevent flooding at the work site.

Since there was no direct access to the bridge, machinery and materials had to be moved by blocking three stabling lines - these are normally used to park trains at night.

Western Railway is hopeful that the new steel foundations will improve safety and reduce delays for suburban train passengers.