The Central Railway has achieved remarkable progress in its ongoing track replacement project in Mumbai, having installed 65 km of new tracks since April this year. Senior railway officials stated that the replacement is essential as the existing tracks have reached the end of their operational lifespan. The project aims to replace a total of 126 km of tracks by April 2025, The Indian Express reported.
The work is focused on the Mumbai division, covering key sections including Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) to Kalyan, Kalyan to Lonavala, Kalyan to Igatpuri, and Panvel. These corridors support the daily movement of 1,810 local trains and approximately 250 to 300 mail and express trains.
Officials highlighted that the replacement is critical due to the aging infrastructure and the harsh coastal, humid climate, which accelerates wear and tear. Regular maintenance and repairs are conducted, with track replacement scheduled based on lifecycle assessments.
Track replacement is conducted in short intervals known as “blocks,” usually lasting a few hours. During each block, between 200 and 600 meters of track are replaced. The process involves a team of around 30 railway officials from various departments, working in coordination. Specialized machinery is used to remove the old rails and install the new ones, which are then welded and precisely aligned to ensure they meet operational standards.