Mumbai local train network expands as WR completes work on Kandivali-Borivali route, to be operational from Monday

Mumbai local train network have achieved a major milestone after the Western Railway WR on Sunday successfully completed sixth line work on KandivaliBorivali routeWith completion of the work BandraBorivali route finally has 5th and 6th lines It will be operational from Monday January 19 officials saidWestern Railway on Sunday successfully commissioned the newly constructed 5th and 6th Broad Gauge lines between Kandivali and Borivali marking a major infrastructure milestone for Mumbairsquos suburban railway systemThe 321kilometre section was authorised for public carriage of passengers and freight by the Commissioner of Railway Safety CRS Western Circle after a detailed inspection and successful speed trials an official statement saidWith the final stretch the first phase of the Mumbai CentralBorivali 6th Line project now stands fully completedA 30day execution window was planned for the execution of this work from December 18 2025 to January 17 2026 during which the existing 5th line also remained suspended between Kandivali and Goregaon stations officials saidThe commissioning of the 6th Line involved extensive permanent way and structuralThe CRS conducted inspections by motor trolley and on foot followed by speed trials using electric locomotives on both lines Trains touched speeds of 85 kmph on the 5th line and 107 kmph on the 6th line during testing the official statement saidFollowing compliance with safety norms under the Railways Act the section has been authorised for regular operations at 70 kmph on the new 5th line Down 80 kmph on the new 6th line UP 15 kmph on loop lines with a maximum axle load of 23 tonnesChallenging construction in dense urban areaThe project was executed within a tight 30day window from December 18 2025 to January 17 2026 During this period the existing 5th line between Kandivali and Goregaon was temporarily suspended to facilitate major engineering worksConstruction posed significant challenges due to extremely limited space and proximity to active railway lines Most earthwork and material movement had to be carried out during night blocks and shutdown periodsExtensive engineering and track worksKey infrastructure works included Major slewing of the existing 5th line Installation of 19 new points and crossings Dismantling of 18 old points and crossings Installation of 13 Switch Expansion Joints SEJsBridge works included four minor bridges and one major bridge A 36hour mega block was utilised to complete critical regirdering work on Major Bridge No 61 the statement saidAdvanced signalling and OHE systemsA major highlight was the commissioning of Mumbai Suburbanrsquos largest Electronic Interlocking EI system at Borivali replacing the old relaybased systemThe new Siemens Westrace MKII EI system manages hundreds of routes signals and points using modern digital control highresolution display units advanced monitoring systems and robust power backupSignalling upgrades were also carried out at Kandivali station enhancing operational safety on both the 5th and 6th linesExtensive Overhead Equipment OHE work was completed including foundation removal mast erection wiring neutral section shifting and commissioning of power supply systemsOperational benefits for commutersThe newly commissioned 6th line will serve as a dedicated corridor for longdistance and nonsuburban trains This will segregate suburban and mailexpress traffic reduce congestion improve punctuality and significantly enhance the daily travel experience for millions of commuters in MumbaiRailway officials said the project stands as a benchmark for speed coordination and technical excellence in one of the busiest suburban rail networks in the world