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Source: Wikimedia Commons
Starting February 27, it is likely that Harbour line commuters in Mumbai will be able to board trains from Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) that will extend until Goregaon!
Currently, the Western-Harbour Line services, operated by the Central Railways run along CSMT-Andheri, CSMT-Panvel and Panvel-Andheri routes.
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While the timetable for the Harbour services up to Goregaon has not yet been finalized, the move will benefit over one lakh commuters reports the Times of India.
The Harbour line conveys over 10 lakh commuters every day. While the initial plan is to run four token services up to Goregaon in the first phase, eventually all CSMT-Andheri services may be extended up to Goregaon, an official told TOI.
Commuters on the Western Railway travelling between Andheri and Goregaon will also benefit from this extended service, as a few slow trains will run on the Harbour line tracks between the stations.
The idea is to extend all 91 CSMT-Andheri services eventually but in phases. The 18 services running between Panvel and Andheri may also be extended up to Goregaon gradually reports the publication.
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Whether the probable extension will lead to the harbour line train services originating from Andheri to be scrapped is yet to be decided.
“Commuters will not be affected as the trains will halt at Andheri,” the official assured.
While the move may certainly be beneficial to commuters travelling to and from Goregaon, there are a few concerns too. The termination of originating services from Andheri will result in trains crossing tracks which is likely to affect the timings.