Mumbai: Month-Long Rail Block to Disrupt Western Line Locals; Over 80 Services to Be Cancelled Daily
Mumbai, 22nd December 2025: Commuters on Mumbai’s Western suburban railway corridor are bracing for significant inconvenience as the Western Railway (WR) prepares to implement a prolonged infrastructure block that will lead to the daily cancellation of more than 80 local train services starting December 21.
The 30-day block, scheduled from the night of December 20 until January 18, 2026, is part of ongoing work to construct the sixth railway line between Borivali and Kandivali, a project aimed at boosting long-term capacity on one of the city’s busiest rail stretches.
According to WR officials, the block is crucial for carrying out complex engineering works, including large-scale track slewing, signalling upgrades and overhead equipment installation. Multiple crossovers will also be inserted and removed at Borivali and Kandivali stations during this period, impacting both suburban and long-distance train operations.
Western Railway Chief Public Relations Officer Vineet Abhishek stated that the block will initially be imposed every night between 11 pm and 4:30 am from December 20 to December 25. During these hours, the fifth line will be completely shut for passenger services, forcing major adjustments in train movement.
With the fifth line out of service, all trains normally operating on it — including local, mail and express services — will be diverted to the fast lines between Andheri and Borivali. Railway officials warned that this diversion is likely to increase congestion and delays across the Western Line network.
As per the revised operating plan, seven local trains will be cancelled on the night of December 20–21, comprising three up and four down services. From December 21 to December 25, as many as 94 local trains will be cancelled every day, split equally between up and down directions. On December 26, cancellations will affect 87 local services, including 40 up and 47 down trains.
WR has acknowledged the inconvenience, especially during the Christmas and New Year travel season, and said measures are being taken to manage passenger flow as efficiently as possible. Commuters have been advised to check updated timetables and remain alert to announcements at stations.
Despite the short-term disruption, railway officials said the project is essential to improving operational efficiency and easing congestion on the Western suburban route in the long run. Regular updates will be issued through official communication channels to help passengers plan their journeys during the block period.
