Indian trains to have 5-digit numbering system

With Indian Railways running over 10000 trains everyday, the four digit numbering scheme for the trains had to be changed. The five digit train numbering scheme has been finally announced. So the train numbers will now have a prefix (number 1). This will be applicable to all scheduled, express, mail and superfast trains. Read more her...

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Mumbai railway stations map for local trains

While travelling by local trains, it makes a lot of sense to know which station would come before your destination station. So here's the map of the Mumbai local train network. Know the sequence of stations and the various routes in the Western, Central and Harbour lines. Please Note: This map is not as per sca...

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Harbour line completed a century

We can’t stop praising it, we can’t stop complaining about it. But Mumbai local trains’ harbour line that completed a century on December 12 has come a long way and has improved a lot over the years. The first trains ran between Kurla and Reay Road stations in the year 1910. And 100 years on, we have the extended harbour and trans-harbour routes with 38 trains (and counting) on the harbour line! The 9-coach trains are gradually advancing to 12 coach. Of course, we are still adjusting to figure out which compartment will halt where at the platforms......

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When the train did not stop for Roma

She lost her balance on the train when her head hit hard on the tracks. Commuters did pull the chain, but the train never stopped. Poor Roma Talreja, all of 21, lied in an unconscious state on the tracks between Ghansoli and Rabale stations on Friday, 10th December 2010. But she is not all that unlucky. Fortunately, Baleshwar Mishra saw her fall from an train passing on a Vashi-bound train. The brave-heart jumped off from his train hoping he might...

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12-coach trains on Thane-Vashi-Nerul-Panvel route

Convenience for trans-harbour commuters is touching new highs month after month! From today, 18 local train services on the Thane-Vashi-Nerul-Panvel route will be converted into 12-coach services! How I had to walk a bit ahead at Vashi and Koparkhairane stations on Thursday as the trains halted a bit farther than their regular place (reaching the extended part of the platforms). It was an indication for the new times to come. And we get the news...

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Andheri to CST train timetable

Andheri starting local trains to CST station leave from platform numbers 6/7 on the west side of Andheri station. The frequency ranges from 20-30 minutes. It takes the train 42 minutes to reach CST from Andheri! The time taken by the train to reach Wadala is 24 minutes. Here's the Andheri-CST local trains' timetabl...

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Afternoon magic - CST to Vashi

Sipping some coffee by the window, listening to music and watching cute kids playing around - welcome to Mumbai local trains during afternoons! I took a Panvel train from CST station around 3 pm today and the long journey was a true stress-buster! I picked up a cup of coffee from one of those Cafe Coffee Day stalls at CST station (just for Rs 7), calmly walked towards the CST-starting train and was pleased to get a window seat.... aaraam se. No...

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History: WR discovers 12th century stone inscription!

A fellow blogger Mr Rajendra Aklekar has been fascinated by the relics lying around the Central / Western Railways since long. He has been providing interesting information and insights on his blog. He is working towards documenting and archiving those silent structures that so vividly tell the tale of the glorious past and is working towards it. Check out his latest article on Western Railway discovering a 12th century stone inscription at...

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An Ode to Mumbai Local Trains

Here's an article by one of us, a Mumbai local train traveller Madhusmita Sahoo: I hate travelling by the Bombay local trains. Yes, get that sneer of your faces, 'Bombay' used because that's how I like it .  If being tall, thin and ungainly aren't bad enough, I also had to be a middle-class chick who has to travel by suburban trains that resemble miniatures of Nazi’s torture cells.  To begin with, I can see the top of everyone's head. Another way to put that is: every now and then someone buries her pate in my face. Lice,...

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Guess the railway stations

So you frequently commute by Mumbai local trains? Let us see how well do you recognize the railway stations. Identify the stations in the following photographs: Mumbai Railway Station - 1 Mumbai Railway Station - 2   Mumbai Railway Station - 3  Mumbai Railway Station -...

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Timeless Trains: Photographs of Mumbai local trains

It goes unsaid that most of us are fascinated by Mumbai local trains. We often see people on platforms or trains clicking photographs, wonder why they are clicking and later forget about it. But these naive as well as professional photographers and journalists capture the world around our magical trains and make the moments timeless. I came across this wonderful picture taken by Mr. Deepak Amembal (of Magiceye fame) and thought it's worth sharing...

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Mega block timings today for Central and Harbour line

Sunday the 14th of November 2010... time for Mumbai Local Trains Mega Block! If you plan to commute by local trains today, you must know that like every Sunday, Central Railway will be operating a mega block even today. And here are the timings when the local train services will be affected: Mega Block, Deserted Tracks Local trains will not run from Kurla to Mumbai CST from 11 am to 4 pm. Trains will also not run between Wadala (Vadala) and Bandra...

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Soon only 12-coach trains on Western Railway

 Looks like female commuters will have to run lesser now. Western Railway plans to convert 32 9-coach local train services to 12-coach from November 14! That means no need for women to stand at the platform guessing where the ladies compartment will halt. If you travel from Goregaon station, you would know that women end up running a stretch of three compartments based on whether the next train is 9-car or 12-car. So if you don't end up boarding...

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Fast, faster, fastest local trains

If you thought that Mumbai's fast local trains aren't fast enough, here's a good news. According to sources, by the end of the year Mumbai will have fast trains that can run at a top speed of 130 kmph. Our regular local trains can run at 110 kmph at most. The trains are being brought from Integral Coach Factory in Chennai and feature imported machines and parts from Austria. Special care has been taken to prevent the fast trains from shaking... brakes are directly provided to the wheels of the bogies. So you can now expect a jerk-free faster journey....

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Yet another train derails in Mumbai!

I can't believe there was yet another train derailment in Mumbai. Thankfully no one got injured, but let that not make the derailment a "casual" affair. The fact is that derailment happened and that lives were at risk. Now I wonder if the train derailments have only increased over the past few months or is it that we are learning about these incidents only now??? Today (22nd October 2010), a Bhayander to Dadar fast local train derailed between Borivali and Kandivali in the western line. The incident happened at a non-peak hour, at around 4.15...

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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...

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First morning local trains' timings

Someone visited this site today and asked me about some early morning trains. Thanks to the person, Thomas, I realised that we must have a list of the timings of the first local trains that leave from various stations early in the morning. Here you go: The first local train from Andheri to Borivali leaves at 4.10 am The first train from Andheri to Churchgate leaves at 4.04 am The first train from Andheri to CST leaves at 5.17 am The first train...

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Indian Railways New Ad

Such a sweet ad promoting Indian Railways...

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National ID numbers for Mumbai's local trains

Looks like Mumbai local trains will have a unique identity number as per this NDTV report - Now, unique national ID numbers for Mumbai's local trains Here's an excerpt from the article on how the system will work: For WR: The first digit is 9, second shall indicate the terminals and the other three numbers will reflect the starting/final destination. Thus, 0 has been assigned to all trains originating/terminating at Virar, 1 for Vasai Road and Bhayander, 2 for Borivli, 3 to terminals of Malad and Goregaon, and 4 for Andheri, Bandra and Mumbai...

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Bag lost and found in train in 11 minutes!

A lost bag situation at the end of a very hectic and stressful day actually eliminated all my stress. Here are the 11 minutes of rapid action at Navi Mumbai stations that make me proud of my hubby, my brother, my sis-in-law and myself (whatever happened to my modesty ;)): 10:38 pm: Me and my husband alight at Vashi station from a Belapur bound train we had boarded from CST station. 10:39 pm: As we climb down the stairs, my husband realises we left behind our bag on the rack of the train's general compartment; the train already departed from the...

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Goregaon local to Churchgate time table

Those who reside in Goregaon and have to travel towards Churchgate only know what it is like boarding a train from Goregaon station at peak hours. The 'Goregaon locals' as we all call them are however a boon. Of course, you need to practice the timing and tricks to board these trains staring from Goregaon Platform number 4 in case you really want a place to sit. This is where your judgment counts, but I sure can help you with the timetable of Goregaon...

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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,...

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Central, harbour line mega block timings today

Central Railway will operate a mega block today on Sunday 26th September 2010 for carrying out maintenance work. Here are the mega block timings and all you must know if you are planning to commute by local trains using Mumbai's central / harbour line today: Mega block between Kurla and Vashi: 11 am to 4 pm Vashi to Mumbai CST: 10.21am to 4.16 pm Mega block between Kurla to Panvel: 10.38 am to 4.08 pm Special local trains will be operated...

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Raju Srivastav on Mumbai trains, funny video

Mumbai local trains personified! Enjoy the way Raju Srivastav enacts the plight of a crowded local train. Also enjoy in this video - how to catch a seat, the way a local train fan counts the people, the way a train handle enjoys the non-peak hours, the way people pray offer flowers at stations that have some famous temple closeby and much more ;...

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Will a separate body run local trains?

I just came across an article in Hindustan Times newspaper . It appears that instead of our Western and Central Railway, a separate body might manage Mumbai's suburban rail network! Now this new entity might ensure punctuality and quality of the train services. As for now, the charter of this demand has been submitted to the officials from the Railway Board in Delhi. Click on the link ‘Separate body to run city trains’ to know mo...

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Mega Block timings today; Central, Harbour line

Central Railway will operate a mega block today on 5th September 2010 for carrying out maintenance work. Here are the mega block timings and all you must know if you are planning to travel by local trains in Mumbai today: Mega block on Matunga to Mulund fast track: 10.30 am to 4 pm Fast trains leaving from CST will run on slow track from Matunga to Mulund during this time and will halt at all stations between Sion and Mulund. Mega block...

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Dahanu-Boisar-Vasai to Panvel train timetable

Very few local trains connect the long distance from Dahanu to Panvel. Here are the timings for the Dahanu-Boisar-Vasai- Panvel connectivity: 5:30 am train from Dahanu reaches Panvel at 8.55 am 4.40 pm train from Vasai reaches Panvel at 6.25 pm 8.30 pm train from Boisar reaches Vasai at 9.40 pm Also, a 6.35 pm train from Vasai reaches Boisar at 8.10 pm ...

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Mega block timings on central / harbour line today

As on all Sundays, CR will operate a mega block today (8th August) as well for carrying out maintenance work. Here are the mega block timings and all you must know if you are planning to travel by local trains today: Badlapur and Bhivpuri Road: 10.45 am to 12.15 pm Matunga to Mulund fast track: 10.30 am to 4 pm Fast trains leaving from CST will run on slow track from Matunga to Mulund during this time and will halt at all stations between Sion and Mulund. Kurla to CST:             ...

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Central / harbour line mega block timings today

As on all Sundays, CR will operate a mega block today as well for carrying out maintenance work. Here are the mega block timings and all you must know if you are planning to travel by local trains today: Matunga to Mulund fast track: 10.30 am to 4 pm Fast trains leaving from CST will run on slow track from Matunga to Mulund during this time and will halt at all stations between Sion and Mulund. Kurla to CST:              11 am to 4 pm Wadala to Bandra:     ...

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Sweet little kids in local trains

Or should I say little bundles of joy! The other day I was returning home after a hectic schedule. It was around 5 in the evening when I boarded a local train from CST station to reach Vashi. I was so tired, I just wanted the time to fly by. And then, a toddler comfortably seated in his mom’s arms beside me, started playing with my hands. He would smile and wave at me, touch my palms with his tiny fingers and cutely smile when I’d tickle him. He even offered me a pink handkerchief he was holding as a toy. He so made my day! I now wanted the time...

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Trains running late again due to rains

It has been pouring and how! And you won't be surprised to know that the Mumbai local trains are running late today. So, plan your day accordingly!...

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How good is your Cutting Chai?

Cutting chai is irresistible if you are from Mumbai. Be it a chai tapri near our offices or a tea stall at a railway station, we do observe but love to ignore the unclean glasses, the houseflies and all that I need not mention. After all, nothing beats the magic of cutting chai. Now the big news is that the tea stalls at railway stations have come under a scanner. As per today’s TOI report, railway staff has collected samples of tea, tealeaves,...

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Mumbai railway police is indeed alert and active!

I just stumbled upon this DNA article and could not help but share it with you. This piece of news will sure make you feel more secure while travelling by Mumbai local trains. It's a perfect example of how the railway police is alert and keeps an eye on every suspicious activity at the stations. A person was sent by the authorities to check on the awareness of the on-duty railway police personnel at Thane station. The person / dummy purposely moved around with a briefcase at the station and raised suspicion. An alert constable nabbed him and...

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Mumbai-localtrains.com is our new address!

The blog http://bombay-local.blogspot.com has been now shifted to http://www.mumbai-localtrains.com Welcome to our new address!!! ...

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Good Samaritans in Mumbai local trains

This is your blog post! That's right. I've spoken a lot in this blog. Now it's your turn. How often it happens we come across a stranger who helps us in the smallest possible way in a Mumbai local train and before we can even see the good Samaritan's face, he / she disappears in thin air! Well, this is your chance to thank the person... who knows the good soul might be reading this! Inviting you to share any good deed in the Mumbai local trains......

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Wadala to Belapur / Panvel new timetable

Here's the updated Wadala (Vadala) to Belapur / Panvel time table effective from 29th May 2010. PS: As you can notice (in red font), some local trains are leaving Vadala station within an interval of 15 mins. If there is some error in this time table, do let us kn...

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Thane-Nerul-Belapur-Panvel trains' timetable

New train services are introduced on the transharbour line (Thane-Nerul-Belapur-Panvel) from 29th May 2010. Listed below is the updated time table: PS: As you can notice (in red font), some Thane to Nerul and Thane to Panvel local trains are leaving Thane at almost the same time. If you are aware that some Thane-Nerul trains have been converted to Thane-Panvel and if there is some duplication in this transharbour line time table, do let us...

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Mumbai local trains status

16th June 11 am update: Western line trains running 20 mins late Central and Harbour line trains also running l...

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Central Railway gets better than WR

I stayed in western suburbs until late 2008. And on rare occasions when I had to travel on the central line, I used to find it a bit uncomfortable. But now I realise that it was only due to the smaller ladies first class compartments. Minus that, after travelling on the central line for over an year now I must admit CR is far better! The crowd in the trains, the regular addition of services and routes and the improvements implemented are really commendable. Check out the TOI today (June 14, 2010) and you would know what I mean. Every few months,...

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Thane - Vashi - Thane Ladies Special Trains!

Latest update: New timetable has been introduced from February 2012 and ladies special train will now leave Thane station at 9.50 am: Thane Vashi Local Train Time Table 2012 Older post:  With the introduction of new train services on the Transharbour route, 2 ladies special trains are also introduced between Thane and Vashi stations. Though I still wonder if it's worth it coz when you look at the timings of these ladies special trains, you'd...

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New Panvel-Nerul-Thane trains' timetable on Transharbour line from 29th May 2010

New train services are introduced on the transharbour line (Panvel - Nerul - Thane) from 29th May 2010. Pls find the updated time table here: PS: As you can notice (in red font), some Panvel to Thane and Nerul to Thane trains are reaching Thane at almost the same time. If you are aware that some Nerul-Thane trains have been converted to Panvel-Thane and if there is some duplication in this transharbour line time table, do let us know. Click...

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Helpline numbers for info on Mangalore plane crash

Helpline numbers - Mangalore Air India Express flight cr...

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Central Railway mega block timings on 9th May

As on most of the Sundays, CR has announced mega block today (Sunday, May 9). Here are the timings: Mega block from Mulund to Matunga (fast track): 11 am to 4.30 pm Mega block from CST to Kurla: 11 am to 4.30 pm Mega block between Wadala and Mahim stations (both ways): 11.05 am to 4.05...

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Mega block between Santa Cruz and Goregaon stations

Due to maintenance work, there will be a mega block today (Sunday, May 9) between Western Railway’s Santa Cruz and Goregaon stations from 10.35 am to 3.35 pm. So the local trains will run on the fast track between these stations. Of course, some trains will be canceled so it’s advisable to keep some buffer if you plan to commute by trains tod...

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Mumbai train / motormen strike status

Strike update at 6 pm: Strike called off, Mumbai local trains are running now. 170 motormen arrested - IBN Live As per the news, Essential Services Maintenance Act (ESMA) has been imposed on the motormen who are on strike. They have been given three hours to return to work (news published at 1.14 pm). MNS threatens motormen - NDTV Earlier post on this blog on Motormen Stri...

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What do Mumbai local train commuters feel like singing today?

Mumbai local train services are severely affected as the motormen strike continues even today. So what songs do Mumbai local train commuters feel like singing while waiting for the trains today? Main toh kab se khadi is paar, ye akhiyaan thakk gayi panth nihaar... aa ja re... Tu chupi hai kahaan, main tadaptaa yahaan Aaja aaja main hoon pyaar tera... aa aa aa aaja.. aa aa aa aaja... aa aa aa aaja... aa aa aah Jag soona soona laage... Aaja ve mahi tera rasta ho dekh diya Tere bin main yun kaise jiya, kaise jiya tere bin... Bin tere sanam mar...

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Motormen strike affects Mumbai on 2nd day

As the motormen strike continues on the second day (4th May 2010) in Mumbai, Central Railways has advised people to opt for local trains only if absolutely necessary. Both Western Railway and Central Railway motormen are on indefinite strike since yesterday to protest since their demands are not met. Apparently only 15-20% local trains are running today, obviously resulting in crowd and irritation at the stations across Mumbai. What to do if...

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Now use credit cards for season tickets!

Do you buy season tickets for your daily local train commute and are bored of visiting the ATM every time since you need to pay in cash? Now you have a reason to rejoice – Central Railway has started accepting all major credit cards for season tickets! Yes, there is this message board at Dadar station displaying the announcement by Central Railway. Nice relief on a day when motormen are planning to go on a hunger stri...

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Shameful act by angry local train commuters!

A Diva Roha train gets delayed by an hour. Commuters lose patience andtemper. The Panvel station manager suffers injuries and humiliation!After he's been serving us for 11 years! Where's the humanity people?When an overhead wire snaps on a train's route, a station manager haspractically no hand in it. Remember he's stationed at the station? Sobarging into his office, hitting him and dragging him out where a hugefurious crowd is standing impatiently is totally uncalled for. Justfor a minute, put yourself in his shoes and you'll know what I mean....

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CST to Panvel trains running late on Sunday

CST to Panvel trains and even those in opposite direction are runningvery late today (1.30 pm). The trains are running at around 30 minutesintervals and the general compartments are very crowded.-- Sent from my mobile deviceRegards,Anuradha Khanna PentapalliOn Twitter - http://twitter.com/annucool15MY BLOGS:http://bombay-local.blogspot.comhttp://vegetarianrecipe.blogspot.comhttp://movies-stars.blogspot.comhttp://movie-trailers-reviews.blogspot.comhttp://annucool15.blogspot.comhttp://news-india-online.blogspot.comhttp://copywriting-communicatio...

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Mumbai local train motormen to operate empty stomach

RememberWR and CR motormen were all set to go on a strike on 26th January 2010 (read about it here) when the authorities assured them that their demands will be considered? The strike was called off at the last minute (read about this here) so that we commuters don't suffer. It's been 3 months and the motormen's issues aren't resolved yet! It seems that there has not been a single meeting about this.  Helpless motormen now have come up with a new decision - to operate the WR and CR local trains on empty stomach from Monday, May 3! With...

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Mumbai trains' motormen taking a huge risk!

MID DAY REPORT: Mumbai local train motormen flout safety norms Can't believe the above report is true. But it seems that some motormen are flouting a seriously important rule. They are supposed to hold the Dead Man's Handle when the train is in motion or halts at any station but are instead locking it up to the mike! It might be 'highly inconvenient', but then aren't they aware of it before taking up the job? Wonder what's the solution? What is Dead Man's Handle (DMH): By definition, Dead Man's Handle (DMH) is a switch that is automatically...

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My interview at MetroTwin website!

Check out my interview as a Mumbai local train blogger out here. Thanks all of you for motivating me to keep the blog updated. Your comments, queries and suggestions mean a lot and are the life of this blog. Special thanks to Mrinal, Anup, my mom, dad, mom-in-law, Vikram and Neeraj for updating me whenever they have any train-related info. READ THE ENTIRE INTERVIEW  HERE for: - Unusual or lesser known Mumbai railway facts - Travel advice...

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NSE on Rajdhani: Soch kar, Samajh kar, Invest kar

Well, there's a special reason why I am sharing this news. NSE has tied up with Railways to start an advertising campaign on some Rajdhani Express trains. The campaign will be an attempt to educate the investors about important things they must be aware of. Now as per the news, NSE is already displaying slogans in some suburban trains. And the special thing is that one of these slogans Soch kar, Samajh kar, Invest kar has been created by my sweet hubby Mrinal during his tenure at his previous agency! I so wanna see it on the trains now...

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Looks like there's some problem even today

There seems to be some problem with the trains even today. My friend Vikram just updated that the trains are moving very slowly between Dadar and Bandra stations (it's 12:30 pm). In fact, it took him 1 hr 40 mins to reach Andheri from Mumbai Central (it should ideally take 33 minutes to cover this distance). He also says that some unoccupied trains are surrounded by cops and authorities.  I just hope all is fine. If you have any updates about why this is happening, please let us know here for the benefit of commuters who are planning to travel...

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Food stalls at WR, CR stations get a makeover!

The new (alright, not so new now) purple and while super-ventilated Mumbai local trains are a treat to the eyes, aren't they? Don't tell me when you first saw this train pass by, you didn't yearn to board it. I remember I was traveling with my mom and mom-in-law in the traditional local train and how they saw the purple beauty pass and exclaimed "We never traveled by this new train"! I only wished I could do something about it. But then, since they travel by train only once in a few months, it's a tough task. I'd have to wait for all the trains...

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3 train incidents in Mumbai on April 13

The official news about yesterday's Garib Rath derailment can be viewed here. And by the way, I discover now that the trains were running late yesterday for 2 more reasons in addition to what I had mentioned in my update yesterday. A Kalyan-CST fast was short-terminated at Thane after people saw smoke coming out from was two coaches of the local train. As per the railway officials it was due to something called Brake Binding. And then a goods train de-coupled between Wadala and Kurla stations. Seriously, what was wrong with the trains yesterday? Even...

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Garib Rath Express Train derailment - updates and pics

Ever since I reduced traveling, it had been tough to update the latest about Mumbai local trains. Generally my brother and husband keep updating me as they travel. An hour ago, my brother called up to help me update about the status of trains - that they are running very late. Since he does not access the internet from his workplace, he gave me all the info based on what he could see at Kurla station and the railway announcements. I am so very thankful...

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Central line trains running late even today

Central line trains are running late again today (as at 8:30 pm). And this time the problem appears to be somewhere near Kalyan. The authorities are announcing about some bus arrangements to help out the commuters. Don't have confirmed reports yet. If you have any info, please update here. Thanks to Neeraj, we now know the reason for the delay. Unfortunately, a coach (or 2 coaches as per Zee News) of Mumbai-Jabalpur Garib Rath Express train derailed between Kalyan and Shahard stations on Mumbai's central line. This caused problem in the tracks...

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Belapur train cancelled at Vashi

CST-Panvel trains running late again. Belapur train that came 25minutes late has now halted at Mankhurd. Moving inch by inch and thenhalting.Update: Train cancelled at Vashi-- Sent from my mobile deviceRegards,Anuradha Khanna PentapalliOn Twitter - http://twitter.com/annucool15MY BLOGS:http://bombay-local.blogspot.comhttp://vegetarianrecipe.blogspot.comhttp://movies-stars.blogspot.comhttp://movie-trailers-reviews.blogspot.comhttp://annucool15.blogspot.comhttp://news-india-online.blogspot.comhttp://copywriting-communication.blogspot.comhttp://c...

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WR motormen, guards refuse to wear uniforms

Western Railway guards and motormen are refusing to wear uniforms. And if we think from their point of view, in a way it's justified. After all, when there are problems at stations due to train delays or rail roko, these motormen and the guards have to bear the brunt of the angry junta / protesters. In absence of railway authorities at the scene, the motormen and guards are easily identifiable and end up suffering even when they are not at fault. Though there must be reasons why uniforms are necessary in certain professions, I think security...

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Why were the trains late yesterday?

Last evening (Friday, 9th April 2010), the Harbour line trains were running late by over 40 minutes. And the reason for the delay seems pretty unbelievable. The trains were late because a Andheri to Panvel train reversed at Wadala to head towards Andheri instead of Panvel! In what is termed as a sequencing error, the motorman reversed the train after getting a signal from the cabin. It was only at King's Circle that the mistake was realised and then the train was cancelled at Mahim. On a funny note, whoever purchased a return ticket must have...

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CST-Panvel trains running late today

CST to Panvel local trains are running late by around 40 minutes today (updated at 9:30 pm on 9th April 2010). Please do not board the train if it's too crowded and if you need to balance yourself at the footboard. Wait for the next train / skip a couple of trains / travel by road. Whenever trains are late, after some time the situation eases out and everyone can travel comfortab...

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Selling, buying, throwing oranges in trains

Chubhti, jalti garmi ka mausam aaya, Aaya mausam taaze taaze oranges ka Sweltering heat makes commuting all the more tedious. But hawkers in Mumbai local trains know how to make the most of it. "Dus ka dus" echoes in the trains during non-peak hours and our heads turn towards the voice. This dus ka dus however has nothing to do with the famous dus-dus ki daud challenge thrown at Aamir Khan in Ghulam. This is the super reasonable cost of oranges being sold in baskets in the Mumbai local trains' ladies compartments...

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Mega block timings between Belapur and Panvel

Planning to commute between Belapur and Panvel this Sunday? Please notice that there's a mega block between Belapur and Panvel on 4th April 2010 from 8 in the morning to midnight. No trains will run from Belapur towards Panvel from 7.09 am to 8.21 pm No trains will run from Panvel towards Belapur from 7.50 am to 8.58 pm Special trains will run between Belapur and CST during the mega blo...

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You know you are in a Mumbai local train when...

I recently read an interesting post on Mumbai. Though I had earlier written a few posts on the kind of commuters you come across in Mumbai local trains, I was inspired to pen something new now. So here I go: You are a smart and sensible Mumbai Local Train commuter when you know that: Asking strangers at which station they intend to get off is nothing to feel shy about Booking a seat in advance in a Virar local is proving you are smart Asking for a 'fourth seat' in a first class gents compartment is a crime Not reaching near the door (towards...

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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...

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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...

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Dadar to Virar fast local trains time table

Planning to board a Dadar local train to Virar? Here's the Dadar-Virar time table to help you out: Please note: All the above trains are fast locals. The 1.56 pm train is a 15-coach tra...

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Virar to Dadar 15-coach trains timetable

Here's the time table of the 15-coach fast trains from Virar / Vasai / Borivali to Andheri and Dadar: Do you think these trains really make a difference since most of them are at non-peak hou...

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Mega block in central line tomorrow on 21st March

Due to the work on the 7th line between CST and Byculla stations, Central Railway has announced a mega block on Sunday 21st March 2010. The timing of the mega block is as follows: From Parel to Masjid: 7.30 am to 12 in the night From Masjid to Byculla: 7.30 am to 6.30 p...

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Stations between CST and Vashi / Panvel

Here's the list of stations between CST-Vadala-Kurla-Vashi-Panvel: PS 1 - If you intend to have this list on your site, kindly link bac...

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Stations between CST and Kasara

Names of stations where Mumbai's local trains halt between CST and Kurla / Thane / Dombivli / Kasara are: PS 1 - Stations in purple are where the fast trains halt. PS 2 - If you intend to have this list on your site, kindly link back. ...

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Stations between Thane and Panvel

Many trains do not have the list of stations pasted inside the local train compartments. And when you are not a frequent traveler on the Thane-Panvel route, a handy list might prove helpful. So here's the list of stations between Thane and Panvel: PS 1 - Stations in red are where the fast trains halt. PS 2 - If you intend to have this list on your site, kindly link ba...

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Vadala-Panvel local trains time table

Vadala starting trains towards Panvel can save you from the crowd during peak hours. Listed below are the timings of Vadala locals to Panvel: 8.37 am 5.29 pm 7.27 pm 8.00 pm 8.30...

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Stations between Churchgate and Borivali-Virar-Dahanu

As a kid I used to try and memorize the names of the railway stations while traveling with my parents from Goregaon to Mumbai Central. After every few minutes I would ask them what would be the next station and then try to remember the exact order - Goregaon, then Jogeshwari, then Andheri... The other day, I saw a kid traveling with his mom in a local train doing exactly the same thing. And then, ever since I shifted to Navi Mumbai, I would end...

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Women's Day special in Mumbai local trains

Come Women's Day and I get nostalgic with a particular memory of Mumbai local trains. It was during our post graduation days. We ended up boarding a ladies special train on 8th March and were more than surprised. Why? Coz the entire train was elegantly decorated. Yes there were red / pink balloons adorning the entire train. And then there were these girls distributing sachets of Ponds blackhead removal strips. I think it might have been during the launch of the product. Being in the train made us all feel very special. It was a beautiful sight...

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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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New local train services in Mumbai post Railway Budget 2010

Mamata Banerjee's Railway Budget 2010-2011 has quite some promises for Mumbai. And yes, she did speak about 101 new local train / suburban services! When the services will start is not known, but considering that many new services have been introduced in the central and trans-harbour lines quite speedily in the recent past, I am being optimistic about quick action. The new trains to be introduced across various routes in Mumbai are as follows: 6 trains on central railway main line  18 trains on harbour line 32 trains between Thane/Kalyan...

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