Signal Failure Disrupts Central Railway Services in Mumbai
A signal failure at Kanjurmarg severely impacted Central Railway operations, compounded by a dangling wire incident.
Signal failure reported at Kanjurmarg around 9:30 AM on October 26.
Train movements regulated under special operating procedures between Vikhroli and Bhandup.
A separate incident involved a wire hanging from overhead equipment between Mulund and Thane.
On the morning of October 26, a significant signal failure at Kanjurmarg severely disrupted suburban train services on the Central Railway's Main Line. The incident, reported around 9:30 AM, resulted in all signals at the station going blank, affecting train movements between Vikhroli and Bhandup. This disruption was further complicated by a separate occurrence where an unidentified wire was found hanging from the overhead equipment (OHE) between Mulund and Thane.
The signal failure prompted the Station Control Office (SCOR) to implement special operating procedures to ensure safety. With the regular signalling system rendered inoperative, train operations were conducted under A-board authority at Kanjurmarg and along the affected sections. The fifth and sixth lines on the Bhandup–Vikhroli route were also managed under these special arrangements.
Railway officials established an absolute block working protocol between Vikhroli and Bhandup on both the Down local and Down through lines, as well as in the reverse direction. This measure was taken to ensure that only authorized trains could enter the impacted areas. The first trains to operate under these conditions included local train K39 from Vikhroli on the Down local line and train BL11 on the Down through line, with further updates on the Up local and Up through lines awaited.
The precise moment when the signalling system ceased functioning remains unclear, with 9:30 AM marking the time of the failure's report. Authorities are currently awaiting information regarding the restoration of the signalling system and the resumption of normal train operations. Meanwhile, the incident involving the dangling wire was reported at approximately 9:23 AM, leading to an OHE block being granted at 10 AM for its removal, which was completed by 10:50 AM.
These incidents have significantly impacted train movements along the busy suburban corridor, highlighting the need for prompt resolution. The railway authorities are expected to provide updates on the causes of the signal failure and the timeline for normalizing train services in the coming hours.
