25 March,2026 09:16 PM IST | Mumbai | Rajendra B. Aklekar
Central Railway executes major overnight block. (Pic/Special arrangement)
The Central Railway, on Wednesday, successfully completed a 10-hour special traffic and power block to carry out key infrastructure upgrades at Thane railway station and Dombivli railway station, paving the way for longer 15-coach suburban trains.
The block, executed overnight between March 21 and 22, was undertaken on both up and down local lines. As per the official statement, the work was carried out at platforms 1, 2, and 3 (CSMT end) at Thane and platforms 1A, 1, and 2 at Dombivli.
Extensive track and infrastructure modifications were completed at Dombivli. These included dismantling and installation of Point No. 125W and commissioning of a new crossover connected to 150 metres of newly laid track. Track slewing of 4-5 metres was undertaken to create space for platform extensions. Furthermore, the railway teams also dismantled seven overhead equipment (OHE) masts and portals, shifted critical cabling along the Down Local Line, and carried out the unloading of 13-metre panels using 11 BRN waggons with two diesel locomotives.
Also, the scrap removal and other preparatory works were executed despite space constraints.
At Thane station, work focused on the Down Local Line, where crossover No. 148A/B was dismantled and reinserted after shifting approximately 60 metres using heavy machinery, including Hydra, JCB, and Poclain equipment.
Additionally, tamping of turnouts and crossovers at points nos. 135B, 146A, 148A, and 148B were carried out. These upgrades will enable further shifting of turnout ladder No. 149A/B and support the extension of platforms 3 and 4.
The operation saw the deployment of 380 contractual labourers and 120 railway staff, supervised by 14 officers. Heavy machinery such as seven JCBs, two Poclain machines, and four dumpers were used to ensure the timely completion of the work.
According to Central Railway, similar traffic and power blocks will be conducted in phases to support the ongoing expansion project. The initiative aims to accommodate 15-coach suburban trains, significantly enhancing passenger capacity and easing congestion on Mumbai's busy suburban network.
