Mumbai struggles to commute on Day 1 of 3-day CR mega block

Tracks are being moved to make way for the platform extension work. Pics/Prasun Choudhari

Commuters experienced disruptions on the first day of the three-day mega block announced by the central railway. On Friday, 160 services were cancelled due to ongoing work of lateral extension of platforms at Thane station. This has led to overcrowding and delays, leaving passengers frustrated. Also, as an effect of the mega block, a huge traffic jam was seen on the Eastern Express Highway (EEH).

The work at Thane station is currently in progress, causing a reduction in the number of available services. Passengers have reported long waiting times and packed trains, making their daily commute challenging. The situation is expected to worsen as the work at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) begins on June 1. With more services to be cancelled, congestion is predicted to increase further.

Traffic congestion on EEH was attributed to regular train commuters taking to the road owing to the mega block

Passengers stranded

Atul Gokhle, a regular commuter said, " As it is, the trains are running delayed and on top of it cancellation of some train services added to our difficulty."
He said, "Even though we will face this problem for three days, further down the line, passengers will be relieved as the platforms are being extended to make sure that the always crowded Thane station will be equipped to handle more passengers."

Another passenger in a rush to board a train said, "Offices should have declared a holiday. Who will be responsible if someone falls off the overcrowded trains? The offices will never take up any responsibility of the person falling off the train."

Lego-like blocks placed to extend the platform at Thane

Dabbawala services affected

Subhash Talekar from the Mumbai Dabbawala Association said, "The impact of the mega block on the dabbawala service cannot be denied. A three-day mega block was announced in Mumbai, and hundreds of local trains have been cancelled. This has put a strain on the services of Mumbai Dabbawala. Today, some of our customers received their food late due to delayed and cancelled locals."

Heavy traffic jam on EEH

The three-day mega block has also caused a traffic jam on the eastern express highway as many individuals choose to travel by vehicle instead of trains considering the mega block.

Amar Vatkar said the traffic on the highway was much more than on other days

Amar Vatkar said, "I am a regular commuter on the EEH. Today, the traffic situation on the EEH was much worse due to the mega block. The number of vehicles on the highway is usually less than what one can see today."

Ramsingh Pal said, "I usually travel by train to go to work. Today, owing to the mega block, I chose to take my vehicle to work. I regret doing this as the traffic situation on the highway has worsened. Many have brought their personal vehicles out today due to the mega block leading to the traffic congestion."

Update on the ongoing work

Talking to mid-day, Central Railway spokesperson said, "The tracks at Thane have been shifted and the process of laying the blocks in order to extend the platform are being placed. The CR is working on a war footing basis and we are running ahead of the schedule."