Mumbai locals: Commuter inconvenience intensified across Mumbai on Saturday as large-scale railway blocks triggered hundreds of local train cancellations on both the Central and Western Railway networks. The restrictions have been imposed to facilitate major engineering and maintenance works at critical suburban sections.
On the Western Railway (WR) network alone, around 300–350 suburban services, including AC local trains, have been cancelled between December 26 and 29. According to WR Chief Public Relations Officer Vineet Abhishek, the disruptions are linked to a 30-day mega block for the construction of the sixth railway line between Kandivli and Borivli.
Officials said 296 trains will be cancelled on December 27, while 235 services will remain off the tracks on December 28. The block began on the night of December 20–21, 2025, and will continue until January 18, 2026, as per railway authorities quoted by Midday.
Explaining the reason for the curbs, the WR CPRO said a major non-interlocking block is being undertaken for commissioning the Electronic Interlocking (EI) panel at Borivali. The block will remain in effect on both UP and DOWN fast lines from 1 am to 7 am on December 27 and 28. During this period, several UP Mail and Express trains will skip their scheduled halt at Borivali station, while platforms 8 and 9 at the station will remain closed for passengers.
Central Railway services are also set to face disruptions. The railway announced a mega block on its suburban sections on December 28 to carry out essential maintenance work, impacting services on both the Main Line and Harbour Line.
According to officials, down fast trains departing Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) between 10.36 am and 3.10 pm will be diverted to the down slow line at Matunga. Additionally, fast lines between Matunga and Mulund on the Main Line will remain under block from 11.05 am to 3.45 pm.
Addressing concerns over year-end travel, Western Railway said some suburban cancellations are unavoidable but efforts are being made to minimise disruptions on New Year’s Eve, December 31, and New Year’s Day on January 1.
Railway authorities have advised commuters to check train schedules before travelling and cooperate with the administration during the execution of this critical infrastructure upgrade.
