Railway Board Safety Director Mukul Kumar To Inspect Borivali Section After Delays Following New Interlocking System

Mumbai: Railway Board Executive Director (Safety) Mukul Kumar is set to visit Mumbai for three to four days to review safety arrangements and inspect the Borivali section, where passengers have been enduring delays since the implementation of a new interlocking system. The inspection also involves a check of the lobby and running room at Churchgate station.

Reports indicate that the new interlocking arrangement has led to daily delays of approximately 20 minutes during peak hours, particularly impacting local trains. These delays are also causing subsequent services to face longer waiting times and higher crowding, raising concerns over operational difficulties following the commissioning of the system.

Despite extensive testing and verification before deployment, issues have arisen. During his visit, Kumar is expected to analyze the performance of the interlocking system, address operational constraints, and determine the reasons behind the delays. The inspection will include an assessment of the working conditions and safety-related systems at Churchgate, aiming to provide the Railway Board with a firsthand evaluation of both safety measures and operational issues affecting Mumbai's suburban network.

For commuters, the primary concern remains the impact of these delays on daily travel, as Borivali being a major hub on the Western Railway suburban network can have a ripple effect on services throughout the corridor. The inspection is anticipated to focus on safety compliance and identifying strategies to mitigate operational delays, ultimately enhancing the reliability of local train services.