The jumbo block that commenced at midnight on Thursday for platform extensions at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus and Thane is set to exacerbate commuter woes on the Central Railway today. A total of 534 local trains will be cancelled, and all main line local trains will operate only up to Byculla. Consequently, Mumbaikars should brace themselves for significant disruptions.
The platform extension work at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus and Thane began at midnight on Thursday and will continue until 3:30 p.m. on Sunday. The impact of the jumbo block was evident by Friday morning, with local trains in both directions running approximately 45 minutes late. This led to crowded trains and stations, prompting many commuters to opt for ST, BEST, TMT, or KDMT buses instead of local trains.
By noon, local trains were running empty. On Saturday, 534 local trains will be cancelled, and Sunday's schedule will be implemented. Due to the block at CSMT, trains on the harbour line will run only up to Wadala, and those on the main line will run up to Byculla. Central Railway passengers are urged to avoid travel unless necessary. The Railways has also requested that offices allow employees to work from home where possible.
Mumbai University has postponed two exams due to the ongoing disruptions.
- Mumbai University has postponed two exams scheduled for Saturday, June 1, due to the potential inconvenience caused by the jumbo block on the Central Railway.
- The two postponed exams will now be held on June 8. On Saturday, the affected exams included one for semester 8 of the engineering stream and one for semester 2 of the BMS (5-year combined course).
- On May 31, a total of 43 examinations across various faculties took place, unaffected by the railways' mega block. However, on June 1, it would be inconvenient for teachers, staff, and officials to commute to the office. Consequently, the university has declared a holiday for the day.