Central Railway on Sunday (June 2) announced the successful completion of the commissioning of Electronic Interlocking at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) in Mumbai and the widening of platforms at Thane station. Both the projects were completed ahead of schedule by the Central Railway.
According to the press release, the first train departing from CSMT after the block left for Tilwala at 1:10 pm on Sunday. The enormous task of commissioning Electronic Interlocking at CSMT for extending platforms 10 and 11 and widening platforms 5 and 6 at Thane station was completed well before the targeted time to ensure smooth travel for all commuters.
It may be noted that the length of platforms 10 and 11 at CSMT has been increased to 690 meters, following the extension by 385 meters. The platforms can now accommodate passenger trains of up to 24 coaches.
Central Railway’s 36-hour mega block
The project was undertaken by implementing a 36-hour block on the CSMT-Byculla main line and CSMT-Vadala Road harbour line section to carry out the work, involving assembling, laying, and dismantling of turnouts, erection of Over Head Equipment portals, including the erection of two special portals of 53 meters, covering all 10 lines, a first for Indian Railways.
Additionally, wiring of points, signals, DC track circuits, and other technical works were carried out. The project was completed with the assistance of 250 highly skilled staff, senior officers, supervisors, and 20 teams of around 400 laborers who worked tirelessly round the clock to meet the deadlines.
Central Railway’s 63-hour mega block
The extensive task of widening platforms 5 and 6 at Thane station was tackled during a 63-hour mega block to facilitate the project’s completion. Thane’s platforms 5 and 6 are among the busiest, accommodating over 300 suburban and long-distance trains daily, as per the release.
The widening, spanning 587 meters in length, was achieved by placing 785 precast hollow blocks, expanding the platforms by 2-3 meters. These innovative blocks help minimize the risk of platform surface settlement and represent the first-time usage for platform construction.
In preparation for the widening project, a Foot Over Bridge was dismantled and replaced with a new one several days prior, creating space for the platform expansion work.
20 teams, 400 workers deployed for task
The Central Railway’s team, consisting of senior officers, supervisors, and 20 teams of approximately 400 laborers, worked tirelessly around the clock to accomplish the task within the designated timeframe.
930 suburban trains cancelled
To guarantee safe and seamless operations during the block, 930 suburban trains were cancelled. Additionally, several mail/express trains were either cancelled or short terminated/originated at/from stations like Dadar, Panvel, Nashik, Manmad, and Pune.
Help desks manned by commercial staff and aided by RPF and station staff were set up at various stations to provide assistance to passengers.