Mumbai [Bombay] local train: a world of its own

Central main, harbour line mega block timings on 7th February

7th February 2010: Mumbai's harbour line is having a mega block today on 6th February 2010 due to railways' maintenance work. Due to the central railway mega block, the local trains will not run from Kurla to Mumbai CST from 11 am to 4 pm. Trains will also not run between Wadala and Bandra (both directions) from 11 am to 4 pm.

However, up harbour line services from Kurla will take the main line route from 10.40 am to 3.56 pm but will not stop at Curry Road and Chichpokli stations.

Trains from Mumbai CST towards Panvel will not face a mega block.

Harbour line trains will not run from CST to Bandra / Andheri from 10.47 am to 4.03 pm.
Harbour line trains will not run from Bandra / Andheri to CST from 10.41 am to 3.48 pm.

Harbour line commuters for Bandra / Andheri are allowed to travel on the central main line as well as the western line on their valid card/season tickets from 10 am to 6 pm on 7th February 2010.

Mulund-Diva slow track line will face a mega block between 10.30 am and 4 pm. Down slow line trains from Mulund and all Down semi-fast trains will be diverted on the Down fast line between Mulund and Diva from 10.30 am to 3.50 pm. These trains will come on the slow track again at Diva station.

Kalwa and Mumbra commuters are allowed to travel via Thane and Diva on their valid card/season tickets during the mega block on 7th February 2010.

Source: The Times Of Navi Mumbai, 6th Feb

Rahul Gandhi travels in Mumbai local train

Rahul Gandhi traveled from Andheri to Ghatkopar via Dadar in Mumbai local trains today. His visit did invite protests by the Shiv sainiks but situation was under control. It was impressive that he stayed composed, stood in the queue to buy railway tickets and spoke to the janta.

What follows is an unending debate on Rahul Gandhi's symbolic act. With news channels covering the trip and then organising debates with politicians and social activists for hours together, it seems that Rahul's trip will keep the political drama buzzing for few more day. Or perhaps, we might see some other politicians travel by Mumbai local trains to prove their point. What do you think?

Check out what various news sites have to say about it:

The Times of India:Uddhav after Rahul visit: Mumbai under Mussolini raj
Hindustan Times: Rahul Gandhi ends Mumbai visit, leaves for Puducherry
DNA: Railway cops sweat with only 8 minutes warning

Boisar-Palghar trains to face block today

3rd February 2010: There will be a block on the Virar-Dahanu section today between Boisar and Palghar stations due to some track work being carried out. The timing of the block is 10.15 am to 2.45 pm on the Up line.

Kindly make your travel plans accordingly to avoid inconvenience. Do forward the information to those who travel on this route.

Info Source: The Times Of India

Panvel-Thane first fast trains time table

From 5th February 2010, two fast trains will run from Panvel to Thane and will halt only at Koparkhairane, Nerul, Belapur and Kharghar stations on the way. Here are the timings of the Panvel-Thane fast trains: