A fast train that slowed down

Getting up on a Monday morning is such a drag. No amount of decibels is good enough to get me off the bed. And once I am awake, I know I am bloody late for work. Another stupid late mark!
 

I stay at Koparkhairane and my office is at Colaba. For those who think Koparkhairane is on one corner of the earth, it is partly true. It takes around 15 minutes by rickshaw (11 minutes by local train) to Vashi, 50 minutes to CST (from Vashi), 10 minutes to Colaba (by bus). Do the math to know the total time I need to travel all the way to work.

So this Monday morning I thought “Hey I’ll take a fast train from Kurla.”

I mentally calculated 15 minutes to reach CST (will reach office on time, boy am I smart!). Bearing the brunt of the force from Mankhurd and Govandi (I travel second class till Kurla), I got down at Kurla station. Walking swiftly, I reached platform number 6 (I suppose) to catch a fast CST bound local. It arrived in seconds... I boarded. Everything was on schedule till Byculla. While I was constantly looking at the watch and thinking to hell with another late mark, the train stopped. Snail-paced it went ahead. Bloody it took 10 minutes to reach CST, and to add salt to the wounds, the Harbour train that I had 'smartly' left passed by the station and reached before CST my train.

The conclusion: Wake up early or you'll get late for work, no matter how hard you try to reach on time.

-Contributed by Mrinal

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12-coach local trains in Navi Mumbai?

For the past few months, work is in full swing on platforms of Navi Mumbai stations. It gives a great delight to see one end of the platforms being extended.

In fact, whenever I happen to be at Vashi, Seawoods or Koparkhairane stations, I see the workers sweating it out in sweltering heat! Looks like the authorities are leaving no stone unturned in ensuring that Navi Mumbai platforms can accommodate 12-coach trains. When would the 12-coach services start in Navi Mumbai is not known to me, but with the steady work, I'm hoping it won't take very long.

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Announcement at Seawoods station not making sense

It's quite cold in Navi Mumbai today and a weird announcement hit our almost numb ears at Seawoods station in the morning. The announcer said something like - After the Belapur-CST train, a special train has left from Vashi to CST.

Whatever it meant, I presume it makes the trains less crowded. However, despite being a bank holiday, the train I boarded isn't less crowded at all.

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Vashi-Thane train time table from 21 December 2009

As per the latest time table, trains leave from Vashi towards Thane at
the following timings:
5.35 am 5.50 am
6.05 am 6.20 am 6.48 am
7.03 am 7.19 am 7.34 am 7.48 am
8.13 am 8.30 am 8.48 am
9.05 am 9.23 am 9.40 am
10.02 am 10.17 am 10.32 am 10.55 am
11.15 am 11.42 am
12.10 pm 12.50 pm
1.25 pm 1.50 pm
2.20 pm 2.50 pm
3.10 pm 3.40 pm
4.00 pm 4.25 pm 4.40 pm 4.58 pm
5.12 pm 5.24 pm 5.38 pm 5.52 pm
6.15 pm 6.34 pm 6.50 pm
7.05 pm 7.25 pm 7.50 pm
8.07 pm 8.22 pm 8.45 pm
9.28 pm
10.00 pm 10.25 pm
11.10 pm

Here's the tabulated form as requested by one of the commuters:




















Latest update:
New timetable has been introduced from February 2012: Thane Vashi Local Train Time Table 2012

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Changes in Thane-Vashi-Thane train time table

Latest update:
New timetable has been introduced from February 2012: Thane Vashi Local Train Time Table 2012

Older post: 

Dear commuters, last evening I noticed that there is quite some change in the Thane Vashi train time table. I need to doubly confirm the timings before updating on this site. Would suggest you keep a buffer of few minutes if you travel on this route for a couple of days.

Do let us know if you have any updates. Your contribution will help the fellow commuters. Have a nice day!

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Vashi 8:38 local arrived late - 21st December 2009

New harbour line services start today (21st December 2009). Obviously, trains were expected to be late. And do was the 8:38 Vashi local to CST. Result - unnecessary panic. I took a rickshaw from Koparkhairane to Vashi due to thesevere joint pain in the hands. Thought I would travel comfortably in the vashi local. But the train being late invited panic that was uncalled for.

Yet another seemingly harmless and educated female, donning a turquoise blue dupatta, made her way to a seat she aimed for. Of course, she pushed more females than you could ever
imagine. Result - she thrusted my hand on a rod increasing the severe pain in my right hand I am trying to survive with. Worst again, this 'educated' female refused to apologize and in fact lied that she did not push anyone at all. Everyone simply smiled at her white lie, and well what else could we do. The other option was to get engaged in an argument that would not improve anything.

Well, courtesy is passe, welcome to the indifferent era! Btw, this happened in the first class compartment supposedly occupied by the educated lot.

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New Thane-Vashi local trains time table

Latest update:
New timetable has been introduced from February 2012: Thane Vashi Local Train Time Table 2012

Older post: 

5 new trains have been added on the Thane-Vashi route from 21st December 2009. Here's the update time table for trains leaving from Thane to Vashi:

06:10 am
06:30 am
06:55 am
07:10 am
07:30 am
07:50 am
08:10 am
08:25 am
08:40 am
09:00 am
09:20 am
09:35 am
09:50 am
10:20 am
10:40 am
10:55 am
11:10 am
11:30 am
12:00 pm
12:11 pm (new train from21stDecember 2009)
12:30 pm
01:05 pm
01:30 pm (new train from21stDecember 2009)
01:50 pm
02:30 pm
03:00 pm (new train from21stDecember 2009)
03:15 pm
03:50 pm
04:20 pm (new train from21stDecember 2009)
04:30 pm
05:00 pm
05:15 pm
05:35 pm
05:55 pm
06:15 pm
06:30 pm
06:50 pm
07:05 pm
07:30 pm
07:50 pm
08:10 pm
08:30 pm
08:45 pm
09:20 pm
09:30 pm
09:43 pm
10:10 pm
10:25 pm
10:35 pm
11:10 pm
11:45 pm (new train from21stDecember 2009)

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Mumbai's harbour line new trains time table

Sunday morning couldn't have been better. My husband came across the ad about 50 additional local train services on the harbour line! Yes, new trains have been added on the Panvel-CST, Thane-Vashi and Nerul-Thane routes on either sides from 21st December 2009! Moreover, a few of the existing services are extended!

Here's the time table for new trains on the Panvel-Vashi-Vadala-CST route:

Panvel 06:40 am - CST 08:00 am
Belapur 9:15 am - CST 10:18 am
Belapur 11:55 am - CST 12:59 pm
Vashi 06:40 pm - Vadala 07:12 pm
Panvel 07:22 pm - Vadala 08:21 pm
Panvel 10:32 pm - CST 11:50 pm

Here's the time table for new trains on the CST-Vadala-Vashi-Belapur-Panvel route:

CST 08:04 am - Belapur 09:08 am
CST 10:14 am - Vashi 11:02 am
CST 10:30 am - Vashi 11:18 am
CST 12:57 pm - Panvel 02:14 pm
CST 05:21 pm - Belapur 06:25 pm
Vadala 07:27 pm - Panvel 08:29 pm
Vadala 08:30 pm - Panvel 09:32 pm
CST 11:55 pm - Vashi 12:42 pm

I have also updated the Nerul-Thane time table as from 21st December 2009 here.
And here's the updated Thane-Nerul Panvel time table.

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Reading indicators at Mumbai local train platforms

I remember the first time I travelled using Mumbai’s central / harbour railway line. I was completely confused whether BL means Belapur / Badlapur and I almost landed in the wrong train.

Recently, quiz-master Derek O’Brien traveled in Mumbai local trains to understand commuters’ grievances. One of the things he found most difficult was reading indicators at the platforms on stations. Obviously, for a first time traveler on a particular route, reading indicators is a tough task.

How on earth would you know that K is not Kurla, but C stands for Kurla!

Unless of course, your friends have told you what those abbreviations mean. I would request the railways to put up boards at every railway station / platform in Mumbai explaining the abbreviated forms of stations.

Until, I am heard, here’s my little attempt to help you out. So if you are finding difficulty understanding the indicators, keep the list below handy.

Reading indicators at Mumbai local train CENTRAL / HARBOUR LINE platforms made easy:

A – Ambernath

AD - Andheri

AN - Asangaon

BL - Badlapur

BR - Belapur

C – Kurla

ST – Chattrapati Shivaji Terminus

D - Dadar

DI – Dombivli

G - Ghatkopar

K – Kalyan

KP – Khopoli

N – Kasara

Pl - Panvel

Nu - Nerul

S – Karjat

T - Thane

Tl – Titwala

VA – Vashi

Vd - Wadala

Reading indicators at Mumbai local train WESTERN LINE platforms made easy:

A – Andheri

B – Bandra

C – Churchgate

Bo – Borivli

D - Dadar

G – Goregaon

M – Malad

V – Virar

BS - Vasai Road

BY – Bhayander

PS - Do let me know if anything above is incorrect / if something is missing.

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Thane to Vashi trains running late

Am waiting at Koparkhairane station for quite some time now but no train has arrived from Thane yet. Don't know the reason yet.

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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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Thane Vashi trains getting crowded by the day

When I started travelling from Koparkhairane to Vashi in the morning peak hours, it used to be great. More often than not, I'd get a place to sit and travel super-comfortably. But gradually, commuters in Thane-Vashi line are increasing and it's close to packed in some trains during the morning peak hours. I am talking about the tiny ladies first class compartment, don't know much about the rest. In any case, I really think they should increase the frequency of trains in this line. Also, we need trains after 11:10 pm too. Can't believe the last train from Vashi to Thane leaves at 11:10!

Latest update:
New timetable has been introduced from February 2012: Thane Vashi Local Train Time Table 2012

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Indicators working at Koparkhairane station

Last week I was surprised when I reached Navi Mumbai’s Koparkhairane station to board my regular train to Vashi. The indicators were operational and announcements were being made!

Until now, there used to be quite some confusion at the Koparkhairane platforms! Firstly, the frequency of trains is bad, so if you miss one train and you aren’t carrying a timetable, you have no idea how long you’d have to wait.

Secondly, since trains for Vashi as well as Nerul / Panvel arrive at the same platform, every time you board a train at the last minute, you need to ask the fellow commuters about the train’s destination. Not anymore, and it’s such a relief! Add to it that the railway announcements are very clear too!

Now, let’s hope for more trains in this route.

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Local train at Vashi arrived and left before time!

Alright, the 8:42 train (in which the first 3 coaches are for ladies) came and left earlier by just one minute, but then there are hundreds like me who reach running to the platform at 08:42:10 hours! Thank God, that one day I reached at 08:40:33!

Trains, chaahe toh thoda jaldi aao, par time pe station se jaao.

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Trains on time at Vashi, still got late

It didn’t rain today and the trains were running almost on time. Still I got late to work by a few minutes! Damn, though the train to CST arrived on time (8:53) at Vashi station, it was so crowded I couldn’t even find a centimeter of space to board it. Looks like all those who bunked office in the last 2-3 days due to rains decided to resume today.

I had no choice but to wait for 14 minutes coz unfortunately there isn’t any train until 9:07. That’s a huge gap in frequency at peak hours! We must have at least two trains reaching Vashi Station between 8:53 and 9:07. What do you think?

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Trains, Rains and Me in Mumbai – 14th July 2009 Morning

I couldn’t sleep last night for 2 reasons. Firstly, I was completely unwell. Secondly, the sound of breeze with heavy rainfall was frightening enough to awaken Kumbhakaran from his sleep.

So for me, there was no question of sleeping until late due to the sleepy rainy climate. I got up from bed with fever and acidity but I was sure I’ll be able to make it to work... somehow I have the tendency to reach office almost on time especially when it’s pouring kutte billi.

I managed to catch my regular train from Koparkhairane, coz it was a few minutes late. Then I managed to catch a train starting from Vashi almost instantly, coz it was some 45 minutes late. And then, what I was expecting happened – the train wasn’t crowded! I knew that Navi Mumbai janta will leave late from home until they are sure that the local trains are running properly.

Getting off at Kurla and rushing to another platform for my last train in the morning too was like cakewalk – no cheekhna chillaana, no pushing on the foot-over bridge, no giddiness. But soon I faced reality when I started feeling like mayonnaise in a burger… smashed like hell in the crowded compartment. The overcrowded train appeared to prove to the tortoise that it was slower and steadier. Not to blame the motorman of our CST bound local train who was taking utmost care to ensure that the train moved smoothly as water logging had started on the tracks. I noticed people near Tilak Bridge station walking in knee-deep water (zero exaggeration) and wondered if the situation in Parel would be the same. Fortunately, I escaped water-walk at Parel and reached office just a few minutes late.

Well, so my journey to work on a bad rainy day was pleasant enough – not drenched, not very late and all. But then, the day was going too good to be true. Things aren’t that perfect always, are they? Here’s about my return trip.

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Mumbai local trains status - Trains running late again due to heavy rains |

Last night it poured very heavily in Koparkhairane, though I have not much idea about other parts of Navi Mumbai / Mumbai. But obviously, the trains were running late and how! I boarded an 8:15 Vashi local to CST only after 9. The CST bound trains from Kurla too were running late. In fact, it took me over 30 minutes in the train from Kurla to Parel station.

I hear (television news) that there’s water logging on many tracks, though Mrinal just told me that at around 11:30 am there wasn’t water logging on Wadala tracks as is appearing in the news. Perhaps it’s an earlier footage. Anyways, the best way to know about the current state would be to call up friends who travel on your regular route.

I also hear (television news) that there’s a high tide at around 4 pm.

Do keep updating the status here.

As on 14th July, 2009 (11:30 am)

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Vashi-Thane Train Frequency Needs A Relook

Latest update:
New timetable has been introduced from February 2012: Thane Vashi Local Train Time Table 2012

Older post: 

The frequency of local trains plying between Vashi and Thane might have been okay a few months / years ago. But now, the number of people travelling on this route has increased substantially. 20-30 minutes frequency is not at all convenient for the commuters. At peak hours the frequency must be 10 minutes at least, if not five.

One must consider that majority people travelling on this route actually travel really long distances changing 2-4 trains (one-way journey) daily. Now while returning from work after already travelling for an hour or more, if they miss one train at Vashi by a few seconds, they have to wait for half-an-hour.

Consider the train timings from Vashi to Thane in the evening:
7:25
7:45
8:05
8:30
9:00
9:30
10:00
10:30
11:10

It’s not possible for the commuters to shell out 50 rupees or more everyday on auto-rickshaws that have high fares in that side of the city. As a result many commuters cross railway tracks to get into a moving train from Vashi. And almost everyone runs from one platform to another as if hell broke. Seeing people tripping, getting hurt and getting highly frustrated by missing a train by a couple of seconds is a usual sight on the Vashi-Thane route.

It would be great if the commuters’ plight is considered and the frequency of trains is increased.

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New Bombay / Navi Mumbai Local Trains Timetable

Latest update:
New timetable has been introduced from February 2012: Thane Vashi Local Train Time Table 2012

Older post: 
I try to update this blog on local trains with the latest timetables. Now, for your quick reference, here's a list of links to the timings of trains to / from the Navi Mumbai area.

1. Panvel to Thane trains
2. Nerul to Thane trains
3. New Thane-Vashi-Thane trains
4. Thane-Nerul-Panvel trains

Do let me know if you are aware of any new timings / trains.

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New Thane Vashi Trains - Time Table

Updated post:
Latest time table introduced from Febraury 2012: Thane Vashi Local Train Time Table 2012

Older post:
Two new trains have been introduced on the Thane-Vashi route from January 27, 2009.

Here's the time table:
FROM - TO
Thane 22:50 - Vashi 23:23
Vashi 07:20 - Thane 07:48

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