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The tracks along Central Railway's (CR) harbour line in Mumbai have long been hindered by encroachments and the presence of human waste, impacting train speeds. Intending to increase speeds up to 105 km per hour, CR authorities initiated the demolition of encroachments between Chunabhatti and GTB Nagar stations on November 27. Chief PRO of CR, Shivraj Manaspure, stated that railway security forces assisted in removing 140 shops and 25 hutments encroaching on railway land within this stretch. This action aimed to clear soft encroachments within the railway boundary, allowing for the removal of garbage and excreta from the tracks. This clearance is crucial for CR engineers to conduct necessary track improvements. Efforts are underway to upgrade the harbour line to accommodate speeds of 105 kmph, a significant increase from the current 80 kmph, which is expected to enhance punctuality. CR officials highlighted the difficulties faced by track maintenance staff due to accumulated excreta, impacting track conditions adversely. The harbour line serves a substantial commuter base, with approximately 10 to 12 lakh passengers using it daily, along with an additional 2 to 3 lakh travellers on the trans-harbour line. However, encroachments and excreta along the route have led to speed restrictions, especially in problematic stretches like Wadala-Kings Circle-Mahim, Wadala-Chunabhatti-GTB Nagar, and Govandi Mankhurd. Encroachments and open defecation have forced train speeds to be limited to 30 kmph, affecting service quality. CR officials highlighted the need for temporary toilets from the BMC until illegal structures are cleared. The plan entails a two to three-month track upgrade following encroachment removal, aiming for enhanced speeds by March 2024. Despite efforts to improve speeds across the CSMT-Panvel route, challenges persist due to encroachments and political opposition. The long-standing neglect of the harbour line has drawn criticism from residents and commuter associations, like the Mumbai Rail Pravasi Sangh's President, Madhu Kotian, reflecting the persistent dissatisfaction with services in the area. In conclusion, the ongoing efforts to clear encroachments and address hygiene issues along the harbour line aim to significantly improve travel experiences for millions of daily commuters. However, challenges stemming from encroachments, waste accumulation, and political hurdles continue to impede the swift execution of necessary improvements, impacting the overall commuter experience along the route.
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