Mumbai Metro One to increase peak-hour frequency on Andheri-Ghatkopar route from August 10

Representation pic

Mumbai Metro One will introduce a new mixed-loop operating pattern from August 10 on the Versova-Andheri-Ghatkopar corridor, aimed at increasing train frequency and carrying capacity during evening peak hours, particularly on the heavily used Andheri-Ghatkopar section.

Under the revised operating pattern, one train will run on a short loop between Ghatkopar and Andheri, followed by the subsequent train operating on the regular Ghatkopar-Versova full loop.
The operator said the change is part of its ongoing efforts to optimise train operations and make better use of the existing infrastructure.

The mixed-loop operation will reduce the peak-hour headway between Andheri and Ghatkopar from 3 minutes 20 seconds to 3 minutes. According to Mumbai Metro One, this will improve carrying capacity on the section by more than 20 per cent, equivalent to around 28,000 additional commuter capacity.

At the same time, the peak-hour headway between Versova and Azad Nagar will be 362 seconds under the revised operating pattern. The change will also result in an increase in the total number of weekday train services. Mumbai Metro One currently operates 476 weekday trips, which will rise to 484 trips under the new timetable.

The short-loop services will operate during the evening peak. The first short-loop train will depart from Andheri Down Platform at 6.23.06 pm, while the last short-loop train will depart at 8.23.46 pm. The operator said the revised arrangement is expected to benefit more than 85 per cent of Mumbai Metro One commuters travelling between Ghatkopar and Andheri, which is among the busiest sections of the 11.4-km corridor.

Shyamantak Choudhury, CEO, Mumbai Metro One, said the mixed-loop operation is part of the operator's efforts to maximise the capacity of existing infrastructure.

"The mixed-loop operations are part of Mumbai Metro One's ongoing efforts to optimise train operations and maximise the capacity of our existing infrastructure. By introducing this operational innovation during peak hours, we aim to reduce waiting times, enhance carrying capacity and provide faster, more convenient and reliable services to our commuters," he told Sunday mid-day.

Benefits

>> Higher train frequency between Andheri and Ghatkopar during peak hours
>> Reduced waiting time for commuters
>> Additional carrying capacity on the busiest section of the corridor
>> Better utilisation of the existing train and infrastructure capacity