Mumbai local train updates: Engineers behind the Kandivali–Borivali sixth line that eased city rail congestion

Deputy Chief Engineer Harish Meena provided overall technical oversight, project monitoring and headquarters-level coordination for the project. His responsibilities included close supervision of planning, design vetting and execution of works carried out under highly constrained urban conditions, while suburban trains continued to operate on adjacent lines.

He ensured seamless coordination among multiple departments including Engineering, Operating, Signalling, Electrical or TRD and Accounts, enabling synchronised execution of track, signalling, overhead equipment and allied works. Special emphasis was placed on block planning, safety compliance and strict adherence to Indian Railways standards.

Meena also played a vital role in preparing the section for inspection by the Commissioner of Railway Safety by monitoring safety documentation, quality of work and timely compliance of observations, which facilitated smooth commissioning of the corridor. Through sustained technical guidance, inter-departmental coordination and continuous monitoring, he contributed significantly to the timely completion of the project, improving line capacity, operational flexibility and commuter convenience on the Western Railway suburban network.

Signalling upgrade at Borivli

The Deputy Chief Signal and Telecommunication Engineer (Dy CSTE), Mithalal Meena, played a key role in commissioning one of the largest Electronic Interlocking systems in the Mumbai suburban network at Borivali on December 30, 2025, as part of the sixth line project. The existing Route Relay Interlocking system was replaced with a modern Siemens WESTRACE MK-II Electronic Interlocking, significantly enhancing safety and operational flexibility.

The distributed EI system comprises 381 routes, 90 points, seven running lines, 56 signals and 123 track circuits, supported by advanced visual display units, power supply systems, data logging and comprehensive fire and safety alarm mechanisms. Subsequently, on January 11, signalling alterations were successfully carried out at Kandivli, including dual MSDAC, multi-lamp colour light signals and track warning system points for the fifth and sixth lines between Kandivali and Borivali.

All signalling works were executed safely and completed more than 30 minutes ahead of the sanctioned block time, reflecting meticulous planning and strong inter-departmental coordination.

Electrical, OHE works

Deputy Chief Electrical Engineer P K Yadav led the execution and commissioning of extensive overhead equipment and power supply infrastructure works for the Kandivali-Borivali fifth and sixth line project, carried out under live suburban traffic conditions.

Major works included large-scale infringement removal involving the breaking of 60 foundations, dismantling of 25 OHE masts, portals and DA structures, and removal of 1.5 track kilometres of OHE equipment including bracket assemblies, contact wires and catenary wires. This was followed by erection and commissioning of OHE over a 3.210 km stretch, including construction of 95 new foundations, erection of 90 masts and portals, execution of 100 load transfers, installation of 120 bracket assemblies and stringing of contact and catenary wires across entire section.

Additional critical works included shifting of one neutral section, provision of OHE arrangements at five turnouts and crossovers, installation of section insulator assemblies and erection of false catenary under eight FOBs and ROBs.

On the power supply front, works were carried out at Borivali traction substation, including 66 kV cable termination and erection and commissioning of circuit breakers, current transformers, lightning arresters and potential transformers, followed by successful testing for energisation of the sixth line. All works were executed with a strong focus on safety, quality control and tight block management, contributing significantly to timely commissioning and enhanced capacity of the Western Railway suburban network.