Kurla to Panvel trains, new platform at Kurla possible

If you are among those who change platforms and trains at Kurla station to board a train towards Panvel, you must have always wondered:

"Why can't there be starting trains from Kurla to Vashi/Panvel?"
"How can they expect us to board a packed train coming from CST at overcrowded Kurla station?"
"Why can't I get a place to sit if I have a 'smaller' distance to travel? Most of the people commute up to Wadala / CST and seats are always occupied!"

And when you travel in the opposite direction, from say Kalamboli to Sanpada, the questions are similar, aren't they.

But there might be a respite, sooner or later. As per today's news (Soon, trains to Panvel could start from Kurla - Hindustan Times), CR wishes to build an additional platform (number 9) at Kurla for trains going up to Panvel. If this happens, Navi Mumbai trains will have starting and terminating point at Kurla!

But don't celebrate already. The proposal will first be sent to Mumbai Rail Vikas Corporation. And some CR sources think that this idea might not see the light of the day as it will involve huge costs.

C'mon, we spent crores for CWG infrastructure that won't be much useful for the aam junta after the games. It makes sense to spend some money here instead, doesn't it?

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Local train commuter - alert and active!

The Mumbai Mirror news about cops nabbing a person who was mistaken to be terrorist brought a smile on my face. Why? Because it was the result of a tip-off by an alert local train commuter and proved that some Mumbaiites are being responsible citizens!

As per the report, Dadar resident Bhavesh Patel noticed a man carrying a rifle. He showed enough presence of mind by informing the GRP about the man. Impressively, the GRP and Mumbai police laid a trap and nabbed the suspect at CST station. It was soon discovered that the suspect was a constable and bodyguard of the IGP of RPF and he was released.

I wish that each one of us shows alertness like Bhavesh Patel and report suspicious activities and unclaimed baggage to the authorities. Unlike this incident:

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Kurla local / Kurla-CST trains time table

Kurla staring trains (Kurla local) are a boon if you wish to avoid traveling in super crowded Mumbai trains. Of course, you need to know the timings in advance and reach the platform 10 minutes before the train's departure time. But then, it's worth the wait!
Here's the Kurla-CST trains time table:

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Super slow Kurla local of 9:22 am

It took me 45 minutes to reach Parel station after I boarded the Kurla local that leaves for CST at 9:22 am (21st Dec 2009). Worst was that while our train was stationary at Kurla's platform number 3, other trains kept arriving and moving ahead from platform number 4. We stayed in the train everytime thinking that at least now it will move. Too much optimism on a Monday morning I suppose.

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Kurla 9:22 local to CST running late today

And not just late, the train is moving super slow today (21st December 2009). Around 4 or more trains overtook this train as it stayed still on platform number 3 :(

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Thane train accident update -Travel to Thane via Kurla-Vashi-Thane route

Following the Thane train accident (23rd October 2009)and disruption of services, the railway authorities have taken a fast and smart step to ensure that commuters reach their destinations without much difficulty. Announcements are being made and notice boards been placed at stations that if commuters want to travel to Thane they can go to Kurla, take a train to Vashi and then take the Vashi - Thane train.

Though it is a good move, there is quite some panic among the passengers. Getting in and out of the train is extremely tough. Worst is the platform number 7 of Kurla from where people can board the train to Vashi. At 6:30 pm, when I took the last bridge (Vashi end footover bridge) the platform was so packed that the crowd was standing even at the base of the bridge. Of course, I managed to somehow get in the train since ladies first class was not crowded. But I am sure it had been very tough for the men and the female commuters taking the second class. At every station,we could hear men shouting and stuffing themselves inside the compartments. One bad day in Mumbai local trains :(

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Central line trains are running late

Central line trains are running very late today. It seems there a problem at Mulund station is causing the delay. A friend who stays at Bhandup just told me that the platforms are so crowded that you can hardly make out anything. Ditto at Kurla… I somehow managed to get in the first class ladies compartment, only to be bashed by the rain as I had no choice but to travel at the footboard.

My friend says that slow trains haven’t arrived at Bhandup station since long. My cab driver said that trains didn’t arrive at Mulund since early morning. There was some announcement at Kurla station, but as always I couldn’t get a single word. If you have any info on this, please update on this blog and help the central railway commuters stay informed.

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