Western Railway cancels jumbo block on Sunday to assist NEET candidates

The Western Railway while sharing Mumbai local train updates on Thursday said that it has cancelled the jumbo block to be operated on its suburban section on Sunday June 21 2026 in view of the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test NEETThe decision has been taken to ensure smooth and convenient travel for thousands of candidates appearing for the examination across Mumbai and neighbouring areasAccording to a press release issued by Chief Public Relations Officer Vineet Abhishek all suburban train services on Sunday 21 June will operate according to the regular weekday schedule instead of the usual Sunday timetableThe move is expected to provide increased train frequency and better connectivity for students travelling to their examination centresAC services to run as usualWhile regular suburban services will follow the weekday timetable AC suburban train services will continue to operate as per the normal Sunday schedulePassengers have been advised to plan their journeys accordingly and check train timings before travellingThe suspension of the weekly maintenance block is expected to benefit not only NEET candidates but also their parents and guardians travelling with themBy maintaining a higher frequency of services Western Railway aims to minimise travel disruptions and ensure candidates reach their examination centres on timePassenger convenienceWestern Railway regularly undertakes jumbo blocks on Sundays for maintenance and infrastructure works However considering the importance of the nationallevel medical entrance examination the railway administration has prioritised passenger convenience and uninterrupted train operationsOfficials said the arrangement reflects Western Railways commitment to supporting students and ensuring hasslefree travel during major public examinationsWR completes bridge 370 regirdering at VirarndashSurat sectionA major railway infrastructure upgrade has been successfully completed on Bridge No 370 between Bilimora and Amalsad in the VirarSurat section of Mumbai Division of Western Railway The regirdering work involving the replacement of old steel girders with PSC PreStressed Concrete slabs was completed over the past two days officials saidThe operation was carried out during planned traffic blocks of four hours each on both the Up and Down railway linesAs part of the project six steel girders with a clear span of 122 metres were safely removed Railway engineers then launched 21 PSC slabs each weighing approximately 35 tonnes into their designated positionsAdditionally six ballast retainers were installed to support the upgraded bridge structure and improve longterm stabilityHeavyduty cranes usedThe bridge upgrade required the use of powerful 400metrictonne capacity road cranes These cranes played a crucial role in both the removal of the old girders and the installation of the new PSC slabsThe operation was completed with careful planning and coordination to ensure safety and efficiency throughout the processBefore the commencement of the work feeder wires on both the Up and Down lines were lowered to facilitate crane operations The Traction Distribution TRD Department provided close support during the project ensuring the smooth functioning of the cranes during both launching and delaunching activities