Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai
Mumbai, Jun 18: Western Railway has cancelled the scheduled jumbo maintenance block on its suburban network on Sunday, June 21, to facilitate smooth travel for candidates appearing for the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET).
In a statement, Western Railway said all suburban local train services on Sunday will operate according to the regular weekday timetable instead of the usual Sunday schedule, ensuring higher train frequency and improved connectivity for students travelling to examination centres across Mumbai and neighbouring regions.
Chief Public Relations Officer Vineet Abhishek said the decision was taken to provide hassle-free travel for thousands of candidates and their accompanying parents or guardians.
While regular suburban services will follow the weekday timetable, air-conditioned suburban trains will continue to operate as per the normal Sunday schedule.
Railway officials advised passengers to check train timings and plan their journeys accordingly.
Western Railway normally undertakes jumbo blocks on Sundays to carry out maintenance and infrastructure works. However, considering the significance of the nationwide medical entrance examination, authorities decided to suspend the block and prioritise passenger convenience.
Meanwhile, Western Railway has successfully completed a major bridge upgradation project on Bridge No. 370 between Bilimora and Amalsad in the Virar-Surat section of Mumbai Division.
The project involved replacing old steel girders with pre-stressed concrete (PSC) slabs during planned four-hour traffic blocks on both Up and Down lines. Railway engineers removed six steel girders spanning 12.2 metres and installed 21 PSC slabs weighing around 35 tonnes each.
The operation also included the installation of six ballast retainers to enhance the bridge's long-term stability. Heavy-duty 400-metric-tonne road cranes were deployed for the removal and installation work.
Officials said the project was completed with meticulous planning and coordination, with support from the Traction Distribution Department to ensure safe and efficient execution of the work.