Mumbai: In a significant infrastructure upgrade aimed at enhancing suburban rail capacity and commuter convenience, Central Railway has commenced a 15-day special traffic and power block at Titwala station for the extension of its platforms to accommodate 15-car local train rakes. The work, being carried out during nightly blocks from Aug 29 to Sept 12, marks a crucial step in strengthening rail connectivity on the fast-growing Kalyan-Kasara corridor.The second phase of the block operation is scheduled from midnight of Sept 2/3 to Sept 8/9, with traffic and power blocks lasting five hours each night between 12 am and 5 am. During this period, train services on Up and Down North-East lines will be regulated, resulting in cancellations, short terminations and rescheduling of select suburban and long-distance trains.Railway officials emphasised that the temporary inconvenience caused by the blocks will lead to long-term benefits through improved infrastructure and operational efficiency. The project is also expected to support future growth in suburban ridership and strengthen the Mumbai Metropolitan Region’s public transport network, said CR chief spokesperson Swapnil Nila.Central Railway has appealed to passengers to plan their journeys in advance and cooperate with the administration as this critical infrastructure work lays the foundation for a more efficient and commuter-friendly suburban railway system.According to Central Railway, all suburban services originating or terminating at Titwala will be extended to or operated from Asangaon during the block period. While some overnight services between Titwala and Kasara will remain unavailable, extensive operational arrangements have been planned to minimise inconvenience to passengers.The platform extension project is of immense importance for commuters from the rapidly expanding residential belt of Titwala, Shahad, Ambivli and adjoining areas. At present, many services on the route operate with 12-car rakes, often witnessing severe overcrowding during peak hours. The ability to run longer 15-car trains will significantly enhance carrying capacity, reduce congestion and improve passenger comfort and safety.
