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Ensure all railway infrastructure is up to scratch

Updated on: 21 January,2026 07:26 AM IST  |  Mumbai
The Editorial |

The upgraded signalling room now resembles a modern mission control centre, capable of handling dense train movements with greater speed, precision, and safety

Ensure all railway infrastructure is up to scratch

Construction work in progress on the sixth railway line near Kandivli station, part of Western Railway’s Kandivli–Borivli corridor expansion

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Borivli may not have driverless trains like London or Tokyo, but it has now entered the same global league as some of the world’s most complex urban rail hubs when it comes to train operations. With the commissioning of the Siemens Westrace MK-II interlocking system, Borivli now operates Mumbai’s largest and most advanced signalling setup.

The station has replaced its ageing relay-based system with the largest Electronic Interlocking (EI) network in the Mumbai suburban railway. The new system controls 381 train routes, manages 90 track points across seven running lines and is operated through dual 65-inch 8K display screens.


The upgraded signalling room now resembles a modern mission control centre, capable of handling dense train movements with greater speed, precision, and safety.



While we are all for upgrades and replacing old systems with new and evolving technology, it is vital that basic infrastructure at stations is looked at too, and authorities do all they can to not only make operations safer and more reliable but the entire station precinct safer, too.

One is aware that different agencies are handling different aspects of railway operations, yet it is important that we look at these transport facilities holistically, and how to make the complex itself more secure for the lakhs of daily commuters. This translates to looking at station approaches and exits, and keeping them clear as much as possible.

Regulate the autos and buses outside, so that there is enough space for people to use facilities in a fairly orderly manner. Clear encroachments that are impinging on the pavement space near the station. Make platform roofs leak-proof. Clear signage is a must. The announcement system has to be audible for commuters. Foot overbridges should be in good condition. Escalators and elevators are key. A holistic approach means a win-win for all.

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