Western Railway (WR) has announced significant train service disruptions due to the demolition and rebuilding of Bridge No. 20 over the Mithi River. Over 127 train services will be canceled and 60 partially canceled on Friday/Saturday, with even greater disruptions on Saturday/Sunday. This maintenance project is vital for passenger safety and infrastructure upgrades.
Train Cancellations and Route Changes
Chief PRO of WR, Vineet Abhishek, announced the following service disruptions:
- Friday/Saturday: 127 services canceled, 60 partially canceled.
- Saturday/Sunday: 150 services canceled, 90 partially canceled.
The last slow train to Virar will depart from Churchgate at 11:58 PM. After 11:00 PM, slow trains from Virar, Bhayandar, and Borivali will use the fast line between Mumbai Central and Santacruz, skipping stops at Mahalaxmi, Lower Parel, Prabhadevi, Matunga Road, Mahim, and Khar Road stations.
Additionally:
- Four long-distance trains will be canceled.
- Ten trains will be short-terminated.
- Ten trains will be rescheduled.
Details of Bridge No. 20
Constructed in 1888 over the Mithi River, Bridge No. 20 is a critical structure supported by eight cast iron pillars. Each pillar:
- Weighs: 8-10 tonnes.
- Dimensions: Two feet in diameter with a 50mm thickness.
- Depth: Extends 15-20 meters to the riverbed’s bedrock.
The bridge spans 50-60 meters across four rail lines and features seven cement girders. For decades, this infrastructure has supported the weight of steel girders and rail tracks, but its aging components require replacement for safety reasons.
Current Maintenance Efforts
The railways are using cofferdams on both sides of the Mithi River to prevent water ingress during the project. A high-power pump is actively removing accumulated water to allow the safe dismantling of the bridge’s iron piers. Once demolished, the bridge will be rebuilt to ensure enhanced safety and reliability.
Impact on Commuters
Commuters are advised to plan their travel in advance and expect delays or disruptions. Regular updates and alternative transport options should be considered, especially for those traveling late at night or early in the morning.
Conclusion
The rebuilding of Bridge No. 20 underscores WR’s commitment to infrastructure safety, despite the temporary inconvenience to commuters. The project represents a crucial step toward modernizing Mumbai’s railway network.
