Kalyan-CSMT AC Local Delays Leave Commuters Frustrated As Two-Hour Late Arrivals Become Routine

Mumbai's Central Railway commuters are experiencing significant frustration due to frequent delays on the Kalyan–CSMT local train. Passengers traveling on the 8.46 am train are often delayed by nearly two hours, reaching their destination at the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) around 10.13 am, more than two hours behind schedule. This delay has become a regular issue for commuters who rely on the train to reach their workplaces on time.

The prolonged journey has exacerbated the pressure on an already crowded railway network, leading to repeated cancellations and delays during peak hours. Office-goers are particularly affected, as the delays make it difficult for them to reach their offices on schedule, impacting their daily work and attendance.

Passengers have taken to questioning the train motorman at CSMT station, seeking answers about the delayed journey and the lack of a reliable timetable. Central Railway confirmed that the train reached CSMT at 10.13 am, 21 minutes late, with a normal running time of around 1 hour 10 minutes. The delay is believed to have started from the Kalyan station, where the train was seven minutes late.

The disruptions are not limited to the Kalyan–CSMT line, as Thane services have also faced delays and cancellations. On Tuesday, the 9.08 am local to CSMT departed late at 9.20 am, taking 1 hour 37 minutes to reach its destination. On Monday, the 9.08 am local was cancelled, while the 9 am and 9.16 am services departed late. These disruptions have increased crowding in subsequent services, making it challenging for office-goers to plan their journeys.

Lata Argade, president of the Suburban Railway Passengers’ Federation, expressed frustration over the recurring delays. She pointed out that the administration has attributed the disruption to ongoing platform extension work, but argued that passenger organizations should have been consulted beforehand to plan alternative arrangements. Argade also called for state government assistance, emphasizing that the disruption is causing financial and social losses to ordinary commuters.