Western Railway (WR) is undertaking a major infrastructure project, demolishing and rebuilding Bridge No. 20 over the Mithi River. This critical maintenance work will result in significant disruptions to train services, with numerous cancellations and partial cancellations. Passengers planning to travel from Mumbai should check for updates before heading to the station. This project, while inconvenient in the short term, is crucial for long-term safety and reliability of the Mumbai rail network.
WR has announced that over 127 train services will be fully cancelled and 60 partially cancelled on Friday and Saturday. The disruption will escalate over the weekend, with approximately 150 full cancellations and 90 partial cancellations expected on Saturday and Sunday.
Mumbai Local Train Cancellations Due to Bridge Repairs
Chief Public Relations Officer of WR, Vineet Abhishek, detailed the extent of the service disruptions. Commuters are urged to familiarize themselves with the adjusted schedules and seek alternative transportation if necessary. The last slow train departing Churchgate for Virar will be at 11:58 PM. After 11:00 PM, slow trains originating from Virar, Bhayandar, and Borivali will be diverted to the fast line between Mumbai Central and Santacruz stations. This rerouting will result in these trains bypassing Mahalaxmi, Lower Parel, Prabhadevi, Matunga Road, Mahim, and Khar Road stations.
Beyond the substantial number of local train cancellations, four long-distance trains have been fully cancelled, ten trains will be short-terminated at stations before their final destination, and ten trains will operate on a revised schedule. Passengers travelling on these routes should confirm the current status of their train before departing.
Bridge No. 20, originally constructed in 1888, is a vital link in the Mumbai railway network. The bridge, spanning the Mithi River, relies on eight cast iron pillars, each weighing between 8-10 tonnes. These pillars are two feet in diameter with a thickness of 50mm and are embedded 15-20 meters deep into the riverbed’s bedrock. The bridge itself stretches 50-60 meters, accommodating four rail lines and supported by seven cement girders.
To facilitate the demolition and reconstruction, the railway authorities have implemented cofferdams on both sides of the Mithi River. These structures are designed to prevent water from interfering with the construction work. A high-power pump is continuously operating to remove any accumulated water, ensuring a safe working environment for the dismantling of the bridge’s iron piers. The rebuilt bridge will incorporate modern engineering techniques and materials, significantly improving its structural integrity and longevity. The project aims to enhance safety and ensure the continued reliable operation of this section of the railway.
