Glitch in signalling system hits Mumbai local train services on Main line

MUMBAI: A technical issue in the signalling system near Vikhroli station disrupted the suburban train services on the Main line of the Mumbai suburban network on Thursday morning. The glitch caused overcrowding at multiple stations and inconvenienced commuters during peak hours. According to railway officials, the technical problem occurred around 7 am on the UP (Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus-bound) fast line, resulting in some local trains being delayed for approximately an hour.
Rajneesh Goyal, divisional railway manager of Central Railway's Mumbai division, posted on X, "Due to some technical faults at UP through line near Vikhroli station local trains are held up hence some locals are running behind schedule time."
He later added that the issue was resolved at 8.05 am Commuters reported that the suburban services were running 20 to 30 minutes behind schedule, leading to overcrowding on trains and at stations during rush hours.As the CSMT-bound fast trains were held up consecutively for an extended period, many commuters resorted to walking on the tracks to reach the next station and find alternative transportation to their offices.
The disruption of suburban services left commuters frustrated and angry. Mandar Abhyankar, a commuter, expressed his discontent on Facebook, "Central Railway trains are always punctual - if you consider being at least 20 minutes late every day as on time. And don't expect any announcements about platform changes or cancellations; they like to keep things exciting!" The Central Railway operates more than 1,800 suburban services daily on its network, which extends across Raigad and Thane districts outside Mumbai, catering to over 30 lakh commuters.