WR’s plan to remove crossovers, improve signalling can shorten Churchgate-Andheri travel time by 4 mins

Western Railway is currently working on a plan to remove dozens of crossovers which, apart from making rides less jerky, will also make the make services faster.

The WR recently initiated a six month plan, during which it will remove around 50 crossovers and improve the signalling system on the slow line.

Once completed, it is estimated to reduce the travel time between Churchgate and Andheri by 4 minutes per trip.

Despite being plagued by regular delays for years, millions of commuters travel on the Western line everyday due to lack of an alternate mode of transport.

In a bid to improve efficiency, WR authorities have decided to remove certain crossovers.

These crossovers, which area located at almost every major station, require trains to slow down thereby impacting the overall punctuality.

For reducing the intensity of the jerks felt by commuters, the tracks at the crossings will be welded together.

In addition, a new signalling system will be implemented which will allow motormen to travel beyond the 70 kmph limit to make up for lost time.

“Currently we use the three-phase signal on the slow line, that is green, red and yellow. As a result, there is no buffer light between red and yellow and the trains have been given a speed limit of 70 kmph. But now there will be an additional yellow light; and when the first one is on, the motorman can go up to as high as 80 to 90 kmph, saving time,” an official told Asian Age.

Divisional railway manager, Mukul Jain, confirmed that the implementation work has already began.

“We have told our officials to start with the crossover and the signal work. We will watch the experiment closely for the next six months and take a call on what to do next,” he said.