Rail fracture disrupts WR services

Mumbai: A technical snag between Ram Mandir and Goregaon railway stations led to the disruption of Western Railway (WR) services Tuesday. The rail fracture took place at 9.24 am and was restored by 9.40 am. Meanwhile, the fast corridor services were diverted on to the slow line, hampering the punctuality of suburban services on both lines.

According to the commuters, the services were delayed in the morning for up to 20 to 30 minutes. Meanwhile, the Central Railway (CR) observed the Sunday timetable on Christmas day, leading to hardships for people who wanted to travel to their respective destinations.

A public relations officer of the WR said that the rail fracture was reported at 9.24 am on the UP fast line between Goregaon and Ram Mandir. Some UP fast line services were diverted on to the slow line. The rail fracture was attended by the Malad pathway inspector (PWI) and set right by 9.40am.

However, the repercussion of the rail fracture was seen till afternoon. Imran Shaikh, who was travelling from Borivali to Bandra, said, “My friends and me were going to Bandra from Borivali in the morning. We were late by 30 minutes due to some problem near Ram Mandir station. I am a regular commuter but I don’t see any improvement in the train’s punctuality.”

“I think there were lesser number of trains on the harbour line which is possibly why there was a huge crowd coming from the Panvel and Vashi line. I had to leave two trains before boarding a train from Kurla station towards CSMT due to the rush.” said commuter Sajana Iyer, who was travelling from Kalyan to Vadala Road.

“Even though it was a holiday because of Chris-tmas and there were less number of working people in the train, several families boarded the trains. I feel it was a bad idea for the railway to lessen the number of trains,” she added.