WR announces a mega block from 24 to January 26, 2025, to reconstruct Bridge No. 20 between Mahim and Bandra stations. The project, intended to improve safety and infrastructure reliability, will disrupt suburban and long-distance train services and affect thousands of daily commuters.
Block Schedule and Impacted Lines
The block will impact train services between Mahim and Bandra stations on the Western Railway (WR) section. The detailed block timings are as follows:
January 24-25 (Friday Night to Saturday Morning):
Up and Down Slow Lines: Services will remain suspended from 11:00 PM to 8:30 AM.
Down Fast Line: Services will be disrupted from 12:30 AM to 6:30 AM.
January 25-26 (Saturday Night to Sunday Morning):
Up and Down Slow Lines (Mahim to Bandra): Services will remain suspended from 11:00 PM to 8:30 AM.
Down Fast Line (Churchgate to Virar): Services will be disrupted from 11:00 PM to 8:30 AM.
Up Fast Line (Virar to Churchgate): Services will be suspended from 11:00 PM to 7:30 AM.
Impact on Suburban Services
Final Slow Train: The last slow train to Virar will leave Churchgate at 11:58 PM on January 24.
After 11:00 pm, all slow trains leaving Churchgate will run between Mumbai Central and Santacruz on the fast line, skipping stops at Mahalaxmi, Lower Parel, Prabhadevi, Matunga Road, Mahim and Khar Road stations. Also, all slow trains from Virar, Bhayandar, and Borivali after 11:00 PM will use the fast line between Mumbai Central and Santacruz, skipping stops at these same stations.
According to the railway officials, on January 25 and 26 block period, the trains coming from Virar, Nallasopara, Vasai Road, Bhayandar and Borivali will be terminated at Andheri.
First Fast Service (post block):
- Up Line: 5:47 AM Virar on Churchgate (Arrival: 7:05 AM)
- Down Line: Churchgate to Virar — 6:14 AM
First down: 8:03 am, churchgate to virar slow service
Effect on Long-Distance Trains
Many long-distance trains, including premier services such as the Rajdhani Express and Vande Bharat, will run delayed, face partial cancellations, or be short-terminated during the block period. Travelers are urged to check updated schedules before heading out.
Passenger Advisory
Commuters have been asked to plan their journeys accordingly and consulting with WR notices issued from time to time for real-time updates. They can visit the Western Railway website or call their helpline for assistance.
Long-Term Outcomes and Purpose
This is part of WR’s overall infrastructure rebuilding programme for much better safety and operational efficiency. Although the short-term interruptions are inconvenient for commuters, the long-term benefits include smoother rail operations in addition to enhanced passenger safety.