Mumbai local train updates: 30-day block on Kandivali–Borivali section begins December 20

Work is carried out to ensure express and local trains are segregated between Bandra and Borivali. Pics/By Special Arrangement

The dream of segregating local and express trains is coming closer to reality, as the sixth line to Borivali is expected to be operational by late January 2026, with finishing work set to begin today. With this, mail express trains will no longer be operated on the local line between Bandra and Borivali, resulting in less congestion on Western Railway.

"A 30-day block will be in place from December 20, 2025, in view of the sixth line work in the Borivali-Kandivali section. During this period, some trains will be short-terminated/originated, regulated, and rescheduled, and some trains will skip their scheduled halt at Borivali station," a senior official said.

Work is carried out to ensure express and local trains are segregated between Bandra and Borivali. Pics/By Special Arrangement

The fifth line between Bandra Terminus and Borivali is already commissioned, while the sixth one - commissioned up to Goregaon in November 2022 and extended to Kandivali in October 2023 - is operational only between Bandra Terminus and Kandivali. It currently handles around 20 mail and express trains every day.

After the completion of the Goregaon-Kandivali section, sixth line work will commence on the Kandivali-Borivali section.

20
No. of express trains that ply on 6th line between Bandra Terminus and Kandivali daily

Thirty-day block begins

To carry out the work in connection with the sixth line, a block is being imposed from the night of December 20th/21, 2025, to January 18, 2026. As per details shared by Railways, eight Up trains and 10 Down trains will be rescheduled. Additionally, 112 Up trains and nine Down trains will be regulated during the period. One train will be cancelled, while two Down trains will be short-originated at intermediate stations.

The work involves track slewing and insertion and removal of multiple crossovers at Kandivali and Borivali. Major works of the engineering, signalling, and overhead equipment will be carried out, which will impact train operations. Consequently, some suburban, passenger, and mail/express trains will be affected. The fifth line will remain suspended for passenger train operations, and speed restrictions will be imposed on other lines.

Key benefits of sixth line

Reduced congestion on existing lines: The sixth line adds extra track capacity on one of the world's busiest suburban corridors. This helps spread rail traffic more evenly, easing overcrowding on the current tracks between Bandra Terminus and Borivali.

Dedicated route for long-distance trains: Once complete, the line will allow long-distance mail and express trains to run on their own track separate from local suburban services, reducing bottlenecks and freeing up space for local trains on the fast lines.

Better punctuality and reliability: Segregating traffic means fewer delays caused by mixing fast suburban locals with slower or stopping trains. Both suburban and long-distance services can keep closer to their schedules.

Increased train frequency over time: With the extra track available, Railways can potentially run more local services in the future - benefiting commuters between Borivali, Bandra, and beyond. Some reports even suggest an increase in overall services by roughly 20 per cent once the new infrastructure is fully operational.

Improved overall capacity: The sixth line expands overall corridor capacity, accommodating steady growth in passenger numbers across the western suburbs