Special local trains on New Year's Eve

Worried about traveling back home at late night / early morning after partying on New Year's Eve? Well, Railways have come to your rescue by announcing some special local trains after 31st midnight as follows:

Churchgate to Virar: 

A slow train will leave from Churchgate at 1.45 am (1st January 2012) and reach Virar at 3.28 am.

A slow train will leave from Churchgate at 3.15 am (1st January 2012) and reach Virar at 4.55 am.  

Virar to Churchgate: 

A slow train will leave from Virar at 12.40 am (1st January 2012) and reach Churchgate at 2.20 am.

A slow train will leave from Virar at 2 am (1st January 2012) and reach Churchgate at 3.40 am.

CST to Kalyan: 

Train will leave from CST at 1.10 am (1st January 2012) and reach Kalyan at 2.40 am.

Kalyan to CST: 

Train will leave from Kalyan at 1.15 am (1st January 2012) and reach CST at 2.45 am.

CST to Panvel: 

Train will leave from CST at 1.20 am (1st January 2012) and reach Panvel at 2.40 am.

Panvel to CST: 

Train will leave from Panvel at 1.20 am (1st January 2012) and reach CST at 2.40 am.

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Kurla level crossing gate to be closed for a night

In order to fix rails and due to road repair work at Railway Level Crossing, Gate No. 9A near Kurla station will remain closed for road traffic from 8.00 pm on 30th December to 6 am on 31st December.

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Mega Block timings on 25th December 2011

Here are the mega block timings for Sunday 25 December 2011:

CENTRAL LINE

Kalyan and Mulund: Slow/Semi fast trains leaving Kalyan from 10.13 am to 3.48 pm will be diverted on fast line. During this period slow trains will not be available at Thakurli, Kopar, Diva, Mumbra and Kalva stations. Commuters wishing to reach these stations can travel via Dombivli / Thane in down direction on their valid tickets.

HARBOUR LINE

Up harbour line services from to CST leaving from Vashi between 10.21 am to 4.16 pm will remain suspended up to Kurla station. 

Down harbour line services for Panvel/Belapur/Vashi stations leaving Kurla from 10.38 am to 4.08 pm will remain suspended up to Vashi station.

Special local trains will run between CST and Kurla stations as well as between Vashi and Panvel stations during the block period.

Harbour line commuters can travel via trans-harbour line on their valid ticket.

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Skip a train or run for it?

Your train arrives at the platform while you are still on the Foot Over Bridge. What do you do?
Click on the links below to cast your vote on our Facebook page.

	Run for it and catch the moving train; it's an achievement
	Run for it but leave it if it starts moving; you are sensible enough
	Skip it, there's always another train

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Bogie of CST-Kalyan train derails

My friend Keyur just informed me that a bogie of CST-Kalyan train has derailed near CST station in Mumbai. As per the current reports (9.30 am, December 21, 2011) there are no casualties.

Click here to check out the derailments that happened in the last 2 years and you would know how this problem must be attended to immediately.

GET THE PICTURE:10th July 2011: Guwahati-Puri Express derailed
10th July 2011:Howrah-Delhi-Kalka Express derailment
2nd March 2011:Train derailment in Navi Mumbai today

22nd October 2010: Yet another train derails in Mumbai!
13th April 2010: Garib Rath Express train derailed between Kalyan and Shahard stations 
13th April 2010: 3 train incidents in Mumbai on April 13
18th January 2010: Panvel train derails near Belapur station 

13th November 2009: 2 coaches of a train from Kasara derailed at CST

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Mega Block timings on 18th December 2011

Both Central Railway and Western Railway will operate Mega Block this Sunday for maintenance work on Sunday, 18th December 2011. Here are the timings:

Kalyan and Mulund:   Up slow/semi fast line trains leaving Kalyan from 10.13 am to 3.48 pm will be run on the fast line up to Mulund stations.These trains will not halt at Thakurli, Kopar, Diva, Mumbra and Kalva stations during the block period. Commuters wishing to reach these stations can travel via Dombivli / Thane in down direction on their valid ticket.

CST to Bandra / Andheri:
Harbour line trains leaving from Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus for Bandra/Andheri stations from 10.47 am to 4.03 pm will be suspended.

Bandra / Andheri to CST : Harbour line trains leaving from Bandra /Andheri to CST from 10.41 am to 3.48 pm will remain suspended.

CST to Panvel / Belapur / Vashi: Harbour line trains leaving CST from 10.39 am to 3.53 pm will run via Central main line up to Kurla station. These trains will not halt at Chinchpokli and Currey Road stations.

JUMBO BLOCK between Mahim Junction and Andheri:
A block will be observed between these stations from 11 am to 4 pm. On both directions, some
Churchgate-Andheri-Churchgate local trains will be cancelled during this block and there will be no
services on the harbor corridor.

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Train Pravachan - 2

We should be thankful to the trains for supporting our excuse to be late when the fault is actually ours!

- Anuradha

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Train Pravachan - 1

Do we run for the train or does the train run for us?
- Anuradha

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Sunday mega block timings - 11 December 2011

Here are the mega block timings for Sunday 11 December 2011:

CENTRAL LINE

Kalyan to Mulund: Slow / semi fast trains leaving Kalyan between 10.13 am and 3.48 pm will be diverted on fast line upto Mulund station and will halt at all stations between Thane and Kalyan during the block period. Hence the slow trains will not stop at Thakurli, Kopar, Diva, Mumbra and Kalva stations. However, commuters wanting to reach these stations can travel via Dombivli / Thane on their valid ticket.

HARBOUR LINE

Up harbour line services from to CST leaving from Vashi between 10.21 am to 4.16 pm will remain suspended up to Kurla station. 

 

Down harbour line services for Panvel/Belapur/Vashi stations leaving Kurla from 10.38 am to 4.08 pm will remain suspended up to Vashi station.

Special local trains will run between CST and Kurla stations as well as between Vashi and Panvel stations during the block period.

Harbour line commuters can travel via trans-harbour line on their valid ticket.

 

WESTERN LINE

There will be a block between Santacruz and Goregaon from 10:35 am to 3:35 pm. Slow trains will run on fast track between these stations and 12-coach slow trains will take a double halt at Vile Parle station.  Some up and down western line local trains will be cancelled.

 

What are Up and Down line trains?

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Harbour line Down trains are running late

Harbour line Down trains are running 15-20 minutes late. Update at 11 pm, 9th December 2011.

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Fast trains on Harbour line, Panvel-Virar Corridor... dreams to come true!

Good News for all Mumbai and Navi Mumbai commuters. The implementation of MUTP Phase three has been finally approved. Essentially, this means:

1. A fast corridor for Harbour line between Panvel and CST
2. A new corridor: Panvel-Diva-Vasai Road-Virar
3. Extension of Harbour line up to Borivali
4. 3rd and 4th lines on Virar-Dahanu, Kalyan-Karjat and Kalyan-Kasara routes
5. 5th and 6th lines on Borivali-Virar route

Of course, such long projects would take years to be implemented, but when the plan is approved we can be sure of it!

Cheers!!!

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Mega block gets a day off!

Kal kabhi bhi kahin bhi
ghoomo phiro...
No Sunday waala mega block
chalo aish karo!!!


Both Central and Western Railway won't operate a mega block on Sunday 4th December.

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College student dies after hitting railway pole

A sad an unfortunate accident happened yesterday (November 1, 2011) when 17-year old Jaideep lost his life while travelling in a train. The accident happened between Malad and Kandivli stations when he was travelling on the foot board and leaning outside (as per reports).Tragecially, his head hit a railway pole and he was declared dead before admission.

Jaideep was FYJC student at Lord's college, Malad.

Please avoid travelling on foot board and please never lean out of trains.

Similar accidents in the past

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Harbour line train services affected

 9.15 am update: Announcements are being made that Harbour line trains towards CST are running at least 15 minutes late. Only a couple of CST bound trains reached Seawoods station between 8.05 am and 9.10 am.
----
Harbour line trains are not running currently due to a technical snag between Vashi and Mankhurd stations. The trains were running behind schedule earlier.

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Up line trains and Down line trains

Many news regarding trains have terms like UP LINE TRAINS / DOWN LINE TRAINS. Several train rescheduling / delay related announcements at stations also include terms like "up slow line trains", "down fast line trains", etc.

So what exactly do they mean by UP and DOWN lines / trains? 

Basically, a train going in the direction of the metropolis or the main terminus is called UP train or referred to be running in the UP direction.

So in case of Mumbai, trains running towards Churchgate and CST are UP LINE TRAINS.
Trains leaving away from Churchgate and CST are DOWN LINE TRAINS.

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Western line mega block timings - Sunday, 27th November

Marine Lines and Mahim Junction: There will be a mega block between these stations on Sunday, 27th November from 10.35 am to 3.35 pm. During this period, slow trains leaving Marine Lines will run on fast track and will not halt at Mahalaxmi, Elphinstone Road and Matunga Road stations.

 

Passengers are allowed to travel via opposite direction for their destinations between Bandra and Mumbai Central. All 12-coach slow trains will take a double halt at Lower Parel and Mahim stations during the block.  Some up and down Mumbai local trains will be cancelled.

Info courtesy: Mr Rajendra Aklekar

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Samaleshwari Express accident kills one in Orissa

Can't believe after two accidents yesterday, there's a train accident again!

A goods train collided with a passenger train Samaleshwari Express today (23rd November, 2011) at Jharsuguda station, Odisha (earlier Orrisa) killing one person. As many a nine people were injured in the Samaleshwari Express accident. 

The trains were running at a slower speed at the time of the incident else it could have been a much bigger accident.

Accidents that took place on 22nd November, 2011:

1. Doon Express Catches Fire, 7 Killed; Helpline Numbers

2. Do not travel on footboard, doors can fly!

 

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Doon Express Catches Fire, 7 Killed; Helpline Numbers

Howrah-Doon Express passengers met with a tragedy as two of its coaches caught fire at around 3 am today (Novermber 22, 2011). The fire took place when the train reached near Giridih district, Jharkhand. As many as seven people have been reported to be killed in the incident at the time of writing this post.

The Helpline Numbers are as follows:

033-26413660

033-2640 2241 / 42 / 43

032-6222 0518

BWN Enq: 03422-561601

DHN Enq: 0326-2220518

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Do not travel on footboard, doors can fly!

Four-year old Sharnu Kumbhar and 35-year old Chandrabai Hadkamal lost their arms yesterday in a freak accident.

As the16529 Mumbai-Bengaluru Udyan Express they were travelling by ran between Nahur and Mulund stations, a door panel of an Ambarnath-CST local travelling in the opposite direction came off its frame and hit their compartment. While Sharnu (left hand wrist had to be amputated) was sitting by the window, Chandrabai (lost her right arm) was seated near the door as she did not have any reservation.

Ex-gratia payment of Rs.5000/- each has been announced for the injured passengers. Seriously!!! Imagine all that you can do with Rs 5000 all your life when you do not have an arm! Well, I won't continue complaining here... what's the point?

Due to this incident, 12534 Mumbai-Lucknow Pushpak Express and 11029 Mumbai-Kolhapur Koyna Express were delayed by 30 minutes. 

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Sunday mega block timings - 20th November 2011

I am back from my trip and so is the mega block! Here are the mega block timings for Sunday 20.11.2011:

Mulund and Matunga: Slow trains leaving Matunga from 10.33 am to 3.59 pm will run on the fast track between Matunga and Mulund stations and will halt at Sion, Kurla, Ghatkopar, Vikhroli, Bhandup and Mulund stations.

Down slow line services will not be available at Vidya Vihar, Kanjurmarg and Nahur stations during the block period. Passengers wanting to reach these stations can travel via Kurla, Ghatkopar, Bhandup and Mulund. 

Harbour line train services will remain suspended as follows:
Mega block from CST to Bandra / Andheri: 10.47 am to 4.03 pm
Mega block from Bandra / Andheri to CST: 10.41 am to 3.48 pm

Harbour line passengers for Bandra/Andheri are permitted to travel via Main line and Western Railway from 10.00 am to 6.00 pm on their valid ticket on 20th November, 2011.

Up harbour line services from Panvel/Belapur/Vashi stations to CST leaving Kurla will take the main line route from 10.40 am to 3.54 pm but will not stop at Currey Road and Chichpokli stations.

Marine Lines and Mahim Junction: There will be a mega block between these stations from 10.35 am to 3.35 pm. During this period, slow trains leaving Marine Lines will run on fast track and will not halt at Mahalaxmi, Elphinstone Road and Matunga Road stations. 

Passengers are allowed to travel via opposite direction for their destinations between Bandra and Mumbai Central. All 12-coach slow trains will take a double halt at Lower Parel and Mahim stations during the block.  Some up and down Mumbai local trains will be cancelled.

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Mega block on Sunday, November 13

There will be a mega block between Bandra and Bhayander on November 13. Please find the details here - http://www.dnaindia.com/mumbai/report_no-trains-to-bhayander-for-six-hours-on-sunday_1610720

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Fight over ladies special train

A delayed train in Mumbai can cause a lot of havoc. This once, things went out of control as there was confusion over a ladies special train. Men boarded the Panvel bound local that women argued was ladies special since the indicator read 9.08. Read about the entire incident here - http://m.timesofindia.com/city/mumbai/Cop-hurt-in-clash-over-ladies-special-in-Mumbai/articleshow/10660625.

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Mega Block timings - Sunday, November 6

Kalyan to Thane: Fast trains leaving Thane between 10.45 am and 3.58 pm will be diverted on slow line upto Kalyan station and will halt at all stations between Thane and Kalyan during the block period.

Vashi and Belapur: Trains leaving Belapur/Panvel will remain cancelled from Belapur up to Vashi between 10.48 am and 4.01 pm.
Trains leaving Vashi will remain cancelled from Vashi up to Belapur between 10.41 am and 4.06 pm.

Thane and Panvel: On the Trans-Harbour line, trains will not run from Panvel up to Nerul from 11.03 am to 3.25 pm .
Trains leaving Thane will be cancelled between Nerul and Panvel from 10.03 am to 2.21 pm.

Andheri and Panvel: Trains will not run between Andheri and Panvel during the mega block period.

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Nimbu Mirchi in Local Trains

Female vendor selling raw mango, nimbu and mirchi achaar for Rs 20 each packet in CST train.
A lady wants nimbu-mirchi combination achaar.
The vendor says buy both and mix them at home!

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Special traffic block between Kalyan-Dombivli stations

Central Railway will operate two special traffic blocks on all the six lines between Kalyan and Dombivli stations. The block will take place for removal of redundant off-loaded overhead electric structures on 1st November 2011 and 2nd November 2011 from 2.10 am to 3.40 am.


The following schedules will be affected on 1st and 2nd November:
S-2 Karjat-CST slow local that was to depart at 2.30 am will leave Karjat at 3 am. This train will run as a fast train between Kalyan and CST and will halt at Dombivli, Thane, Ghatkopar, Kurla, Dadar and Byculla stations. It will reach Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus at 4.59 am.



The following diversions will take place on 1st and 2nd November:
Up Mail/Express trains arriving from Pune side will be diverted via Karjat-Panvel-Diva and will reach their destinations behind schedule. These trains will halt at Diva station for the benefit of Kalyan passengers. The trains facing diversion are:

• 11028 Chennai-Mumbai Mail
• 11020 Bhubaneshwar-Mumbai Konark Express
• 16382 Kanyakumari-Mumbai Express

The following regulations will take place on 1st and 2nd November:

• 51028 Pandharpur - Mumbai Fast Passenger will be regulated at Neral for 50 minutes 
• Up Mail/Express trains arriving from Nasik side will be regulated between Titwala and Kasara stations for 20 mins - 1 hour and will reach their destination behind schedule

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Parel to get another platform!

Pinch yourself, it's true! Parel might finally get a new platform and end the woes of many commuters who are 'forced' to cross railway tracks at Parel station. How I have struggled in the jam-packed FOB! But this platform will be connected to the foot over-bridge and de-congest the existing bridge.

Read the entire report by Rajendra Aklekar, DNA, here.

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Mega block timings for Sunday, October 30

Kalyan to Thane: Fast trains leaving Kalyan between 10.40 am and 3.43 pm will be diverted on slow line upto Thane station and will halt at all stations between Kalyan and Thane during the block period.

Harbour line trains leaving Vashi between 10.21 am and 4.16 pm will be suspended between Vashi and Kurla stations.


Harbour line trains leaving Kurla between 10.38 am to 4.08 pm will be suspended between Kurla and Vashi stations.


Special local trains will run on CST-Kurla and Vashi-Panvel sections during the block period. Harbour line passengers are permitted to travel Via Thane-Vashi/Nerul on their valid ticket.

Thanking Mr. Rajendra Aklekar for sharing the information!

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Central / Harbour Line Mega Block Timings 23rd October

Mumbai local train commuters will face a mega block on Harbour, Central as well as Western Lines on Sunday, October 23, 2011.

The Western line mega block timings can be found here.

Kalyan to Thane fast track line will have a mega block between 10.40 am and 3.43 pm. The fast trains will be diverted on slow line upto Thane station from 10.35 am and 3.37 pm and will halt at all stations between Kalyan and Thane during the block period.


Local trains will not run from Mumbai CST to Kurla from 11 am to 4 pm.
Harbour line trains will not run from CST to Bandra / Andheri from 10.47 am to 4.03 pm.

Harbour line trains will not run from Bandra / Andheri to CST from 10.41 am to 3.48 pm.
Down harbour line services for Panvel/Belapur/Vashi stations leaving CST from 10.39 am to 3.53 pm will take the main line route but will not stop at Currey Road and Chinchpokli stations.


Harbour line passengers for Bandra / Andheri can travel via Main Central line and Western Railway from 10 am to 6 pm on 23.10.2011 on their valid ticket.

Info courtesy: Central Railway, Provided to us by Rajendra Aklekar.

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Borivali and Bhayandar Mega Block 22/23 October, 2011

This weekend, there will be a mega block on the western line between Borivali and Bhayandar stations on the night of 22/23 October, 2011. Reason for the block - maintenance work of track, signalling & overhead equipments.

Fortunately, the mega block will not affect most of the Mumbai local train commuters as it would be carried out for just four hours late in the night. Here are the mega block timings:


From Bhayandar to Borivali: 11 pm (22 October) to 3 am (23 October) on the fast line

From Borivali to Bhayandar: 12.45 am (23 October) to 4.45 am (23 October) on the fast line

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Agar rickshawalle motormen bann gaye toh...

Meaning: If auto rickshaw drivers became motormen of Mumbai local trains.

Meri Marzi!!!

• You want to go to Goregaon from Churchgate. But they will refuse to go citing it's a short distance. They have higher (or rather longer) aims... at least Nallasopara. 

• You punch a valid Rs 10 coupon for your destination. But they refuse to let you board the train. They say, "At least pay half return fare since no one boards the train for the reverse direction."

• It's raining cats and dogs and tigers. You try to reach your destination Kharghar asap. 17 trains pass Kurla station, none halts. Why? Well, they just don't feel like ferrying you. For them, it's the best opportunity and way to harass the bechaara public.

•  832 people are standing to board a train from platform number 1 of Wadala station. But only one is allowed to board the train. Why? Sharing nahi chalega!!!

• You board a train from Churchgate to Bandra. These are the stations you see -  Charni Road, Grant Road, Sandhurst Road, Dockyard Road, Raey Road, Currey Road, Wadala Road, Elphinston Road and Matunga Road. Why? Road pe ghuma raha hai... ab extra fare bharo!!!

Disclaimer: Not all Mumbai rickshaw drivers are rude / inconsiderate / mean. But quite a few are.
At 10 pm tonight, I had to stand by the road during heavy rains, without any umbrella / wind cheater / shelter, when no rickshaw driver agreed to ferry me to my house 15 mins away. One even asked for a fixed higher illogical fare. I stood there helpless, furious and desperate while as always the auto rickshaw drivers ruled the roads. Not that this happened for the first time, but I had to write... eventually.

Thank God for the train services. Hope no such rickshawallah ever becomes a motorman.

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Mega block timings on Sunday, October 16, 2011

Central Railway will operate a mega block today on Sunday, October 16, 2011. Here are the mega block timings you must be aware of if you are planning to travel by local trains in Mumbai today:

Harbour line trains from Panvel / Belapur / Vashi to CST will run on Central Main Fast Line from Kurla station to CST from 10.40 am to 3.54 pm. The trains will not halt at Currey Road and Chinchpokli stations.

Harbour line train services will remain suspended as follows:
Mega block from CST to Bandra / Andheri: 10.47 am to 4.03 pm
Mega block from Bandra / Andheri to CST: 10.41 am to 3.48 pm

Harbour line commuters for Bandra / Andheri can travel via main line / western line from 10 am to 6 pm during the mega block.

Slow / semi fast trains leaving Kalyan station between 10.13 am and 3.48 pm will run as fast trains on the fast track.
Info courtesy: Central Railway Notice

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Mega block on Western, Central, Harbour Lines

Mumbai local train commuters will face a mega block on Harbour, Central as well as Western lines on Sunday, October 9, 2011.

HARBOUR AND TRANS-HARBOUR

Vashi and Belapur: No trains will run from Vashi up to Belapur/Panvel between 10.41 and 4.06 pm. No trains will run from Belapur up to Vashi between 10.48 am and 4.01 pm.

Thane and Panvel: No trains will run from Panvel from 11.03 am to 3.25 pm up to Nerul. No trains leaving Thane will run between Nerul and Panvel from 10.03 am to 2.21 pm.

Andheri and Panvel: Trains will not run between Andheri and Panvel during the mega block period.

Special trains: Special trains will be arranged between CST and Vashi, Belapur and Panvel, and Thane and Nerul during the mega block period.

CENTRAL LINE

Kalyan and Thane: Fast trains leaving Kalyan from 10.40 am to 3.43 pm will run on slow track until Thane and will halt at all stations in between.

WESTERN LINE

Mahim and Marine Lines: Slow trains towards Churchgate station will run on fast line from 10.35 am to 3.35 pm. They will not stop at Matunga Road, Elphinstone, Lower Parel and Mahalaxmi stations. 12-coach slow trains will halt twice at Mahim.

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No Foot to Keep on Footboard

Travelling on footboard of local trains - Avoid if you can

On September 24, 2011, a man lost his arm as he met with an accident while trying to board a running train at Mumbai's Ambernath station .

Yesterday (October 2, 2011), two friends fell off a running local train. While Lala sustained some injuries, Kadar Shaikh lost his leg!

The incident happened between Kurla and Tilak Nagar stations. Apparently, they were standing on the footboard as the train was crowded and Kadar lost his balance.

Yet again we insist:

• Please do not travel on footboard. Getting late to reach your destination is better than losing limbs / life.
• Please do not try to board / alight from a running train.
• Please let commuters alight first.
• Please do not travel on train's rooftop.
• Please HELP victims of such accidents.

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Train Etiquette - Part 1

What do you do when people push you even while getting in an uncrowded train and there's quite some gap between the platform and footboard?

Dhakka-mukki has become a trend... ab toh aadat si hai sabko dhakka maarne ki...
People are so used to rushing into crowded trains that sometimes even when the train is blissfully uncrowded, people tend to push others. This unnecessary haste has often led to people slipping onto the tracks and losing their limbs. So what do you do when something like this happens?

1. Ignore them and manage your balance
2. Give them some peace of mind and manage your balance
3. Let them move ahead
4. Other (pls specify in comments)

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Mumbai Local Train - A Musical Journey

Check out this cool video of Mumbai local train travel created by Arun Brahma.
Music: Floe Glassworks by Philip Glass

If you have something interesting / relevant to this site and wish to share it, do let us know in the comments section here.

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Man loses arm thanks to inhuman commuters, authorities

Date: September 24, 2011Time: 8.49 am
Location: Ambernath station 

Educated commuters travelling in Mumbai trains: Quite a few
Humans travelling by Mumbai trains: RARE

I am so furious at this moment that if I type for more than 10 minutes I might be using swear words. 

45-year old Shivaji Ambavale falls of a train (alright he made a mistake of trying to board a running train, but don't most of us do so?). He loses his arm and is bleeding profusely. Just imagine the pain you feel when you cut yourself while shaving / cutting veggies... now imagine his pain!!! At that peak hour, no one comes to help him! He himself has to jump on the tracks with all the pain and panic to retrieve his arm. Except for one good Samaritan Rajil Menon who helps him out.

Now this was the aam janta behaviour towards a man who was suffering. Do I need to mention the flaws in system and carelessness of authorties? GRP takes 15 minutes to come. He gets no first aid. Porters carry him to police chowky to make an official entry!!! Seriously was that so important???


As always, there's no mode of transport with station authorities and they try to catch an auto rickshaw. Don't they realise that most auto rickshawallahs care a damn about people and their suffering??? Quoting from the Mumbai Mirror article: Unable to find transport, the cops and the porters started running towards the nearest medical facility: the DG Chaya municipal hospital. This entire process took nearly 40 minutes. 

After that he is taken to 3 different hospitals. Read the link above for the entire story.

And at the end of all this, it is too late to fix his arm!!! He loses his arm to the ignorance of some Mumbaiites.

I wish I was there and could have helped him. I wish that the ones who ignored him read this and feel ashamed of themselves. I wish from next time on nobody suffers due indifferent 'humans'. I still keep wishing we have sufficient medical aid and ambulances near stations. 

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Mega block timings for 25 September 2011

Central Railway will operate a mega block today on Sunday, September 25, 2011. Here are the mega block timings you must be aware of if you are planning to travel by local trains in Mumbai today:

Mega block on Matunga to Mulund: Fast trains leaving CST between 10.28 am and 3.25 pm will run on slow track from Matunga to Mulund and will halt at all stations in between.

Harbour line trains from Panvel / Belapur / Vashi to CST will run on Central Main Fast Line from Kurla station to CST from 10.40 am to 3.54 pm. The trains will not halt at Currey Road and Chinchpokli stations.

Harbour line train services will remain suspended as follows:
Mega block from CST to Bandra / Andheri: 10.47 am to 4.03 pm
Mega block from Bandra / Andheri to CST: 10.41 am to 3.48 pm

Harbour line commuters for Bandra / Andheri can travel via main line / western line from 10 am to 6 pm during the mega block.

Info courtesy: Central Railway Notice

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Chaloge track se us paar, Pahunchoge zindagi ke us paar

Crossing railway tracks can take us to the ‘other side’ of the world. That’s not where we want to reach, is it?

Every other day there is news of someone dying / losing limbs while crossing railway tracks. We all know it’s dangerous, yet once in a while we tend to cross the tracks. 

PLEDGE you'll Never Cross Railway Tracks. Like this status message on Facebook / Post this as your status message and spread the word. Let's see how many people are serious about living.

 

Earlier posts on crossing railway tracks:

Woman dies crossing tracks, rescuers lose life too

Accidents

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Woman dies crossing tracks, rescuers lose life too

Yet again, a woman died while crossing tracks. Worse still, two people who tried to save her had to lose their life too!

On Sunday afternoon (19 September, 2011), Sangeeta Ahinkar decided to cross the railway tracks near Badlapur station instead of taking the foot-over-bridge at the same spot. She failed to notice a good train approaching.

Two men, Shivshankar Shrivastav and Dilip Bhawar, passing by the area noticed the risk the woman was taking. They ran to save her but unfortunately a local train started coming from the opposite direction. Impossible to make the right judgment at the moment, the trio were left completely confused. Eventually, all three of them were run over by the goods train.

Please do not cross the tracks. You are not just putting your life at risk but others too

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Central, Harbour line mega block on 18 September, 2011

Mega block on Matunga to Mulund: Fast trains leaving CST between 10.28 am and 3.25 pm will run on slow track from Matunga to Mulund and will halt at all stations in between.

Harbour line trains from Kurla to Vashi will not be operational between 10.21 am to 4.16 pm.
Special trains will run between CST and Kurla as well as between Vashi and Panvel during this time.

There's no mega block between Bandra / Andheri and CST
 

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Western line trains running late today

Western line trains are running late by a few minutes today.  Update at 9.30 am.

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No Mega Block Today

Due to Ganpati visarjan, there won't be a mega block today!

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How to identify First Class compartment in Mumbai trains

Often the non-regular / new Mumbai local train commuters are caught travelling in a first class compartment with a second-class ticket. While some are 'offenders on purpose', many commuters (especially ladies) are unable to differentiate between first class and second class compartments from outside. It is only after they board the first class compartment, they realise it!

I have often seen some ladies panicking after realising it and trying to jump off the moving train to avoid being caught by the ticket checkers. This as we all know can be fatal.

So if you are a new commuter of the Mumbai's lifeline, here's how to identify the first class compartment:

1. The compartments have stripes on the outer side. Refer the image. 
2. The section of platform where these compartments halt too have a portion painted in stripes (either the station name board stand / pole / floor / wall).
3. The seats of the first class compartments are cushioned.

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Harbour trains running late

Very few harbour line trains were operational between 9 and 10 am today. The up line trains were directed on Central Main line from Kurla.

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Central Railway Mega Block Timings Today

Central Railway will operate a mega block today on Sunday September 4, 2011. Here are the mega block timings you must be aware of if you are planning to travel by local trains in Mumbai today:

Mega block on Matunga to Mulund: Slow trains leaving Matunga between 10.33 am and 3.59 pm will run on fast track from Matunga to Mulund during this time and will halt at all stations between Sion and Mulund.


Mega block from Wadala to Bandra: 11 am to 4 pm
Mega block from Bandra to Wadala: 11 am to 4 pm

Harbour line trains from Panvel / Belapur / Vashi for CST will run on Central Main Fast Line from Kurla station to Byculla from 10.40 am to 3.54 pm. The trains will halt at Sion, Matunga, Dadar and Parel stations.

Harbour line train services will remain suspended as follows:
Mega block from CST to Bandra / Andheri: 10.47 am to 4.03 pm
Mega block from Bandra / Andheri to CST: 10.41 am to 3.48 pm

Harbour line commuters for Bandra / Andheri can travel via main line / western line from 10 am to 6 pm during the mega block.

Info courtesy: Central Railway, The Times of Navi Mumbai

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What to do when you see someone performing stunts in trains?

Yesterday, a video of Reay Road train stunt boys became a 'hit' on Facebook. While many people condemned the stunt, some were rather amazed by the 'talent' of these boys. I wondered and figured out why people don't try hard enough to stop these guys in the train - Dangerous train stunt: Please don't attempt this.

Stop the stunt boys NOW!

Little did I know that today's headlines would be about someone copying the act and getting severely injured. A 13-year old Zahid Ansari imitated the act with 2 of his friends in a CST-bound train. When a railway yard worker standing by the tracks asked them to stop, Zahid hurled out abuses at him. Within seconds, the boy hit a pole and fell off the train! Zahid landed unconscious on the tracks as the yard worker rushed to save him in time!

Now here's the thing my fellow commuters - It might take time for all the 'stunt heroes' to stop these stupid acts. But until then, let's do something about it. 

What to do to stop these guys:

1. Do not waste any time after noticing an act. Immediately ask them sternly to stop and continue until they stop. Ignore their swear words, coz they don't know what they are doing. If you see someone trying to stop the guys, join the person. If all the commuters together insist that they stop, they sure will.
2. Tell the guys that you will report it to police and they can be jailed for three months. Section 156 of Railway Act punishes those travelling dangerously. Accused can be fined Rs 500 and/or sent to prison for three months.
3. Call up the helpline numbers (please save the numbers on your phone).
4. If necessary, stop the train by pulling the chain.

Also, you can check out the accident info over the months at the Central Railway website. As of today, there are already 241 accident cases reported including those who fell off the train, were knocked down, fell due to giddiness and were run over while crossing the tracks.

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Dangerous train stunt - Please don't attempt this

I have often come across youngsters who try various 'stunts' in trains. Most of them are in the age group 12-18! While they think they appear 'cool' doing so, they don't realise that they only show how stupid they are and more than anything else, their life is at a huge risk. Worst is not losing life but losing a limb or having an injury that will ruin their life forever!

I came across this video of a guy performing a super risky stunt which is being shared a lot on Facebook pages today:

These stunt boys go with the funda - itna darr darr ke nahin jeeneka. However, they ignore that the nahin jeeneka part of the sentence is the strongest in this scenario.


Also, I have seen commuters just making faces but not asking them to stop. Commuters don't want to hear stuff like 'Uncle, apna kaam kar na', 'Tereko kya karneka hai?', etc. But remember - if you don't say a word and you happen to witness a tragic incident you might regret all your life, "If only I had asked them to stop!"

At the most, only three things are possible if you ask these boys to stop:

1. They will poke fun at you. But seriously, they are actually poking fun at themselves and all the other commuters (onlookers) know that.
2. They will ignore your comment / continue. But at least you tried.
3. They will feel embarrassed if every time they do so, commuters stop them / debate with them. They won't find it 'cool' enough.They might stop.

Please remember that while these youngsters perform such stunts, some other boys too feel like attempting the act. At least, when they see commuters' objecting the potential 'stunt boys' might not try.

DO NOT TRY / ENCOURAGE STUNTS IN TRAINS. PLEASE STOP THE WRONG-DOERS

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Local trains running late / stopped due to rains

Mumbai local train services are affected due to heavy rains and water logging on several tracks.

Status at 9.40 am on August 29, 2011:
Mankhurd-CST Harbour line closed
Kurla-CST Main line closed
Western line trains are running 10 mins late

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Locals take train to Jan Lokpal Bill

Some local train commuters prefer to fight for a seat.
Some wait until infinity for someone to alight at a station.
Some 'smart' commuters grab the slightest opportunity to force themselves on the seat for which the ever-waiting poor fellow had been standing on his toes all the time!

But on Saturday, August 20 2011, all the commuters had something in common - a hope to bring an end to corruption! After all, some Youngsters from India Against Corruption had boarded the 10.57 am Churchgate bound train to show and gather support for the Jan Lokpal Bill. They rightly called the train Jan Lokpal Express. They circulated leaflets that educated the commuters about the bill as well as the difference between Lokpal Bill and Jan Lokpal Bill.

The mood in the trains was amazing with everyone wanting to join the fight against corruption instead of fighting among themselves for a seat in the train.

PS - If you have come across a similar instance in trains, do share with us.

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Sunday Mega Block Timings: Central / Harbour Line

Central Railway will operate a mega block today on Sunday August 21, 2011. Here are the mega block timings you must be aware of if you are planning to travel by local trains in Mumbai today:

Mega block on Matunga to Mulund fast track: 11 am to 4 pm

Fast trains leaving from CST between 10.28 am and 3.25 pm will run on slow track from Matunga to Mulund during this time and will halt at all stations between Sion and Mulund.

Mega block from Kurla to CST: 11 am to 4 pm
Mega block from Wadala to Bandra: 11 am to 4 pm
Mega block from Bandra to Wadala: 11 am to 4 pm

Harbour line trains from Panvel / Belapur / Vashi for CST will run on Central Main Line from Kurla station  from 10.40 am to 3.54 pm and will not stop at Curry Road and Chinchpokli.

Harbour line train services will remain suspended as follows:
Mega block from CST to Bandra / Andheri: 10.47 am to 4.03 pm
Mega block from Bandra / Andheri to CST: 10.41 am to 3.48 pm

Harbour line commuters for Bandra / Andheri can travel via main line / western line from 10 am to 6 pm during the mega block.

Info courtesy: Central Railway, The Times of Navi Mumbai

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Accidents

Every other day we hear news of people falling off from Mumbai local trains or dying while crossing railway tracks. If that's not enough, there are train derailments and accidents at times. While the latter is out of the control of commuters, losing life while crossing tracks / standing at the footboard can be avoided.

On the right track?

On Independence Day itself, two people met with train casualties.  

• 36-year old Abdul Rahim Shaikh fell of a CST-bound train at Dadar... unfortunately he could not be saved. 
• 22-year old Yusuf Shaikh got three of his toes crushed as he too fell on the tracks after his train crossed Dadar station.

While we all know that crossing tracks / travelling on the footboard is dangerous, we tend to do so. At that moment we think we are careful enough, at that moment we think nothing bad will happen... but remember - all those who lost their life / limbs thought the same. 

Announcing ACCIDENTS section on this site

Here's an attempt to list such casualties so that we are constantly aware of what we can face, so that we NEVER make the slightest mistake. After all, it's not the hospital / crematorium we intend to reach by trains, is it? 

If you are aware of any such incident / have faced something after which you decided never to cross tracks, do share it here. 

November 1, 2011: College student dies after hitting railway pole - 17-year old Jaideep lost his life when his head hit a railway pole

October 2, 2011: No Foot to Keep on Footboard - Kadar Shaikh lost his leg while losing grip on the vertical rod at train's footboard.

September 25, 2011: Man loses arm thanks to inhuman commuters, authorities - 45-year old Shivaji Ambavale fell off while trying to board a running train.

August 15, 2011: 36-year old Abdul Rahim Shaikh fell of a CST-bound train at Dadar... unfortunately he could not be saved. 22-year old Yusuf Shaikh got three of his toes crushed as he too fell on the tracks after his train crossed Dadar station.

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Sunday Mega Block timings - Central / Harbour Line

Like most Sundays, Mumbai local train services will be affected by mega block on August 14, 2011. Here are the timings:

Mulund and Matunga: Fast trains leaving Thane from 10.50 am to 3.42 pm will run on the slow track between Mulund and Matunga and will halt at all stations in between.

CST to Bandra/Andheri: Trains will not run from 10.47 am to 4.03 pm.

Andheri / Bandra to CST: Trains will not run from 10.41 am to 3.48 pm.

CST to Panvel/Belapur/Vashi: Harbour line trains from CST will run on main line up to Kurla between 10.39 am and 3.53 pm and will not halt at Currey Road and Chinchpokli.

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The Mumbai Local Microcosm

Guest post by Barnaby Haszard Morris:

I’m standing on the busy Mumbai Local around noon, politely refusing repeated offers of a seat, and I’m trying to avoid this filthy body of water as it courses around me. It sits up one end of the carriage for a while, forming a shallow pool between the doors, then suddenly we hit a corner and the water’s shooting over my feet again. If I stand with my heels flat and my toes slightly raised, the water doesn’t reach over the threshold of my chappal soles each time it streams past.

I look at the shoes of the guy next to me – immaculately polished black leather, to match his expensive-looking pants and shirt – and I’m simply glad to be wearing shoes that didn’t cost me a fortune. He’s talking on a mobile phone, like a number of other guys in this carriage. Notice that I said ‘a’ mobile phone, for it is merely one of several. He has the one pressed against his right ear, then two more – which look to this Nokia user like Android phones – bundled in his left hand. The bag hoisted over his shoulder looks heavy. His glance darts between their screens, as if expecting an alert at any moment, while he talks constantly into the one against his ear.

Lots of people are talking constantly in this carriage. One group of men, clearly strangers, are debating in Hindi over whether we are going to Victoria Terminus (VT) or Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (CST) – which are of course different names for one place, the busiest railway station in the world. Another person talking constantly is this young hipster with his arm around his girl. (Yes, there are women in this carriage, but only a few.) This guy just will not stop talking into his girl’s ear. He’s jabbering on and on and ON and on without pause, an ear-to-ear grin fixed throughout. He was already talking when I got on at Vikhroli, and he’s still going by the time we reach VT/CST. The girl doesn’t seem to mind a bit. I’m guessing she’s enjoying the attention.

My hearing switches focus to the call of the latest moth-eaten wandering vendor to dart up and down the carriage. (The water doesn’t seem to bother him.) Each vendor has their own particular – and often peculiar – method of calling out their offering, and this guy keeps saying what sounds to me a lot like “black magics”, over and over again. When he goes past me, I realise that he is in fact yelling “mathematics”, unless he considers his stack of mathematical formulae books to be an extension of the dark arts. Having swept up and down the steadily less packed walkway a couple of times, he darts out the doors as they’re hauled open at the next station, presumably to sell his “black magics” to the next carriage.

Continue reading at the original post location.

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Mega Block timings today

Harbour line mega block timings between Andheri / Bandra and CST, both directions 10.45 am to 4.00 pm.

Harbour line trains from Panvel/Belapur/Vashi for CST will run on main line from Kurla to CST between 10.40 am and 3.54 pm and will not halt at Currey Road and Chinchpokli.

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Local trains status now

3 pm update: Central line trains running very late (arnd 45 mins) and slow
3 pm update: Harbour line trains running 7-8 mins late

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Local train status at 11 am

Western line trains running on time

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Central, Harbour line trains late again today

Central line trains are running 30-60 mins late due to heavy rains.
Harbour line trains are late by 20 mins.
Update at 9 am, July 14, 2011

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Local trains' running status after Mumbai Serial Blasts

July 13, 2011
Western line: Trains running as per scedule. Update at 9 pm, reported from Charni Road station.
Central, Harbour line: Trains running a bit late. Update at 9.30 pm, reported from CST station.

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Mumbai Blasts Emergency / Helpline Numbers

3 Explosions took place in Mumbai around 6.45 pm (July 13, 2011). The blasts happened at Opera House, Dadar Kabutarkhana area and Zaveri Bazaar.

Emergency Numbers: 022-2262 1980 / 1983 / 5020, 22641449

Hospital Numbers:

KEM: 022-24136051

JJ Hospital: 022-23735555

GT Hospital: 022-22621466

This once, I am not going to have any posts displaying my angst and expectations from the government. What's the point? Kasab was caught last time and is still alive. So even if someone is caught now, we'll only be spending crores to ensure the safe survival of the person.

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Central, Harbour line trains running late today

Central line trains are running 5-10 minutes late and Harbour trains are late by over 10 minutes today (July 13, 2011). Update @ 9 am.

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Kalka Mail Accident Death Toll Rises

The first reports of the Kalka Mail derailment yesterday mentioned that 20 people are feared dead and around 100 people injured. Who would have guessed by morning the toll will rise to as high as 66! Over 300 are reportedly injured.

Hope care is taken that the injured people get instant treatment and pray no more people are found dead in the debris.

 Howrah-Delhi-Kalka Express derailment - Helpline numbers

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Double Train Tragedy in a Single Day in India

It was hard enough to believe the tragic New Delhi-Howrah Kalka Mail derailment news earlier today when another train accident at around 8.20 pm shocked me.

I switched on the television at night to see news about the Kalka Mail accident and was surprised to see some station names that had no connection whatsoever with the derailment. Another train had derailed in India - Guwahati-Jagannath Puri Express... Seriously!

Looks like a nightmare, and I so hope that when I wake up in the morning I realise it was a terrible nightmare. Things can't be so bad, so sad.

While over the last couple of days, we hated the fact that Mumbai local trains services were horribly affected with just 1 day of heavy rains... while we heard 'tragic' incidents of people stranded in trains and at stations for a couple of hours... suddenly today all of that appears like not so much of a big deal. Suddenly the 7/11 memories are revived.

Deepest condolences to the families who lost their loved ones. Let's pray there are no more casualties.

Guwahati-Puri Express derailed - Helpline Numbers
03621-2737154/55
03621-2731621/622/623

Howrah-Delhi-Kalka Express derailment - Helpline numbers

Allahabad: 0532 2408149

Aligarh - 0571-2403055/56

Fatehpur: 05180-222025, 222026, 222436

New Delhi: 011-23342954 , 23341074, 23967332

Kurja- 05738-253084/85

 

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Guwahati-Puri Express derailed; Helpline Numbers

8 bogies of Guwahati-Jagannath Puri Express derailed today (Sunday, July 10, 2011) in Kamrup district of Assam, between Rangiya and Kokrajhar, injuring around 100 passengers as per the first reports.

Since at the time of the accident the train was at a slower speed, lesser casualties are expected

This is the second train accident in the day. Earlier today, a Howrah-Delhi-Kalka Express derailment had shocked the nation.

Here are the Rangiya HELPLINE NUMBERS for the Jagannath Puri-Guwahati Express derailment:
03621-2737154/55
03621-2731621/622/623

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Howrah-Delhi-Kalka Express derailment - Helpline numbers

Today (July 10, 2011), several bogies (12) of the New Delhi-Howrah Kalka Mail derailed near Malwa railway station, near Kanpur / Fatehpur, UP. As per the latest news, over 125 people are reported injured and 20 dead.

The relief operations are in progress. Few trains are deeclared cancelled.

Kalka Mail Derailment Railway Helpline Numbers:

Allahabad: 0532 2408149

Aligarh - 0571-2403055/56

Fatehpur: 05180-222025, 222026, 222436

New Delhi: 011-23342954 , 23341074, 23967332


Kurja- 05738-253084/85

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Trains running (crawling) late today

The rains have delayed the trains a lot today. While the local trains were running 15-20 minutes late in the morning, they were crawling at noon. Reportedly, one of the harbour line trains took 45 minutes to reach Kurla station from Chembur! Also, people have been reaching their destination station around an hour late given the long waiting time for the trains to arrive as well as the way they have been moving today.

If you have any latest updates, do share on the comments section here or on our Facebook page.

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Bhajans and prayers in Mumbai trains

There are our Main Gods, Rain Gods and then there are Train Gods!

The busy Mumbai life leaves us with no time for anything... not even for prayers. So some Mumbaikars have made the local trains their temple!

Rightly so, since these trains do fulfill some of our wishes like reaching work just a few minutes late, reaching back home, staying in shape (running on FOBs, lifting luggage with one hand while streching the other hand to hold the train handle...). And what could be a better way to pray to the Almighty - utilising the long commute hours. So some local train commuters, equipped with books, pictures of Gods, bongos, manjiras and the memorised and popular bhajans, sing along in a group while occupying acertain 'fixed' area in the compartments.... every single working day!

Good, for it might please the Gods who might enable these people fulfill their small and big wishes. But what about those who are studying in the trains for their exams, thinking of an idea for the next client pitch, having a headache or catching up on the sleep the busy Mumbai life has deprived them of? Well who cares?

Now, MS Gopal aka Slogan Murugan from Mumbai managed to get us some great pictures of the bhajan routine in trains (more pics). God bless him!

Click on M S Gopal's blog for photographs and stories from the city that's always on the move.

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Lost and found: Bag full of cash in train

Thanks to the alert cops!
Two GRP constables returned a bag containing Rs 47500 and important documents to a student who had left it behind in a Titwala-bound train. Read more about the Hindustan Times story here - Cops return bag with cash, books found in train

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FOB Delayed, Trains Delayed!

Location: Diva
Date: July 5, 2011
Incident: Protest by Commuters
Demand: To get an FOB constructed on time
Result: Trains delayed, FOB might still not be ready in time!

Commuters who want an important Foot-Over-Bridge (FOB) to be functional by August 31, protested at Diva Junction yesterday leaving the trains delayed in the morning. In the absence of an FOB directly leading to the east side of Diva station, commuters are left with no choice but to cross tracks. Need we mention that this is directly proportional to accidents!

CR officials have reportedly said that due to rains the FOB work cannot be completed until September end!

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Experience Slow Motion in trains until Sunday

Following the derailment between Cotton Green and Reay Road on June 2, 2011, the Harbour line trains will run slower than the regular speed until July 3.

So plan your schedule by keeping that buffer!

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Beginners' Guide to Travelling in Mumbai Local Trains

Guest post by Blessen Varghese a.k.a. 'Mallu Mumbaikar':

1. Travel as light as possible with little or no luggage. If you do have a luggage, then make sure you also have your name on it or else some stranger might come to the happy realization that his great grandfather’s uncle’s brother-in-law had lost a similar bag/suitcase in 1936 and stake his claim over it.
2. Avoid peak hours, which would be, let me see… ahem… almost throughout the day! Basically, avoid traveling!
3. Make sure you are not allergic to the combination of sweet ‘aroma’ of oil, fish and sweat! If you are, constant traveling will make you get used to the same.

4. If you are a first-class traveler, then be sure to apologize for accidentally pushing or stepping on someone. If you are traveling by second-class, then be street smart and blame the ‘accident’ or ‘incident’ on the person standing behind you. Before doing this, make sure there IS a person standing behind you or else, you will be in big trouble.
5. Amongst all the good qualities that a Mumbaikar possesses, politeness is NOT one of them. So, if someone is hell bent on picking up an argument with you, be polite and remain as quiet as possible. Your attitude will surprise him. The guy that is picking up the argument might just have had a fight with his wife at home and may be removing it all on you!
6. If your station is just five stops away from the starting point, then don’t be dumb in trying to find a seat, for if you do, you may never be able to get off even after the tenth stop. Remain standing, and do so closer to the door that you will be getting off from! If you do not know which side your platform falls, then ask your co-passengers. But make sure the person you ask is not a mirror image of you yourself. You might just end up either on a wrong station or on the tracks, the latter being not a very exciting prospect!
7. If you are going to be a regular traveler, catching the same train and hoping onto the same compartment will help you make new friends. These guys will stand by you whenever there is an argument.
- As posted in Blessen Varghese's blog. 

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