Western Railway is set to embark on a significant infrastructure project aimed at alleviating congestion and enhancing the punctuality of train services. The construction of the sixth railway line between Goregaon and Kandivali, covering approximately 4.5 kilometers, is scheduled to begin on the night of August 27/28, 2024, and is expected to be completed by October 5/6, 2024.
To minimize disruption for passengers, the majority of the work will be conducted over weekends, with a 10-hour block allocated each night on Saturdays and Sundays. This strategic approach is designed to ensure the smooth progression of the project while causing the least inconvenience to commuters.
Vineet Abhishek, Chief Public Relations Officer of Western Railway, explained that this project is part of the broader 5th/6th line initiative, which spans from Bandra Terminus to Borivali. The newly planned sixth line will be laid on the west side of Malad Station due to space constraints on the east side, necessitating the relocation of existing tracks to the west.
During the construction period, passengers can expect some disruptions. Certain long-distance trains may be delayed by 15 to 20 minutes, while suburban services are projected to experience 100 to 140 cancellations and around 40 short-terminations on weekends. Additionally, non-interlocking maintenance on the fifth line between Goregaon and Kandivali, scheduled for September 28-29 and October 5-6, 2024, will result in delays of 40-45 minutes for trains departing from Bandra Terminus.
Importantly, no work will be conducted between September 11 and 17, 2024, in observance of the Ganpati Festival, ensuring that celebrations are not disrupted.
Once completed, the sixth line between Goregaon and Kandivali is expected to significantly increase line capacity, reduce congestion, and improve the overall punctuality of train services. Furthermore, it will facilitate dedicated lines for trains arriving at and departing from Bandra Terminus. Following the completion of this stretch, construction will continue on the Kandivali-Borivali section, bringing the entire 5th/6th line project closer to realization.