Mumbai’s suburban rail network is set to face fresh disruption over the next three months, with Western Railway announcing the suspension of 88 local train services to facilitate critical infrastructure work. The move is aimed at restarting a long-pending project linked to capacity expansion and safety upgrades, but is expected to significantly impact daily commuters.

The suspension primarily affects Harbour line services operating between Goregaon and Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus, a route heavily used by office-goers travelling between the western suburbs and South Mumbai.

Harbour Line Services Between Goregaon And CSMT Affected

According to railway officials, all Harbour line local trains running between Goregaon and CSMT will remain suspended during the three-month period. These services pass through key stations including Ram Mandir, Andheri, Vile Parle, Santacruz, Khar Road, Bandra, Mahim Junction, King’s Circle, Wadala Road, Sewri, Cotton Green, Reay Road, Dockyard Road, Sandhurst Road and Masjid before terminating at CSMT.

The suspended services account for around 88 train trips daily, forming a crucial east-west connector for passengers travelling from the western suburbs to the Harbour and Central railway corridors. While the main suspension is on the Goregaon–CSMT stretch, railway officials have indicated that some Bandra–CSMT services on the Harbour line may also see changes in timing or frequency to accommodate the ongoing work.

Infrastructure Work Linked To Fifth And Sixth Rail Lines

The service suspension is linked to the demolition and reconstruction of the ageing Bandra–Khar railway bridge, a key component of the long-delayed fifth and sixth line project between Borivali and Mumbai Central. The project is aimed at easing congestion on the Western Railway by segregating suburban and long-distance train operations.

Officials said the work could not be carried out safely without reducing train movement on the affected Harbour line section. Once completed, the additional lines are expected to improve punctuality, enhance safety and increase the overall carrying capacity of Mumbai’s suburban rail system.

Commuters Brace For Crowding And Longer Travel Time

The announcement has triggered concern among regular passengers, many of whom rely on the Goregaon–CSMT Harbour line services to avoid multiple interchanges. With these trains unavailable, commuters are expected to shift to Western line services up to Bandra or Andheri and then switch to Central or Harbour line trains, a move likely to increase crowding during peak hours.

Western Railway has said that alternative arrangements and modified timetables will be introduced where possible, and passengers are advised to check official updates regularly and plan journeys in advance. Authorities have also appealed for public cooperation, stating that the temporary inconvenience is necessary to deliver long-term improvements to Mumbai’s rail infrastructure.

Long or Short, get news the way you like. No ads. No redirections. Download Newspin and Stay Alert, The CSR Journal Mobile app, for fast, crisp, clean updates!

App Store –  https://apps.apple.com/in/app/newspin/id6746449540 

Google Play Store – https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.inventifweb.newspin&pcampaignid=web_share