Central Railway has made notable progress on its track replacement initiative in Mumbai, having completed 65 km of new tracks since April 2024. Senior railway officials have emphasised that this replacement project is vital due to the aging condition of the tracks and the adverse effects of Mumbai's coastal, humid climate, which accelerates wear and tear. The goal is to replace a total of 126 km of tracks by April 2025.

The replacement work covers key sections in the Mumbai division, including Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) to Kalyan, Kalyan to Lonavala, Kalyan to Igatpuri, and Panvel. These areas are crucial for daily operations, supporting 1,810 local trains and around 250 to 300 mail and express trains.

Track replacement is conducted in short intervals called “blocks,” lasting several hours, during which 200 to 600 meters of tracks are replaced. The process involves a team of 30 railway officials from various departments, using specialised machinery to remove the old rails and install new ones. The new rails are welded and aligned to meet the necessary operational standards. Maintenance and replacement follow the tracks' lifecycle to ensure safety and reliability.

(Indian Express)