Title - CR takes no chances for megablock on Sunday

Mumbai: It was a case of once bitten, twice shy. Central Railway made non-stop announcements between 10am and 3.30pm on Sunday and was apologetic about the train delays even as commuters faced inconvenience due to megablocks on the Harbour and Central lines.
    The CR had issued a public advisory two days in advance, warning citizens about the rail blocks and possible delays/cancellations. “We had informed passengers (through media) that trains may be crowded and there could be delays. We advised them not to undertake rail journey during the block unless it was urgent,” said a CR official. He stated that there were two megablocks, one on the Up and Down Harbour lines between Mankhurd and Nerul stations, and another on the Up slow line between Mulund and Matunga.
    Harbour line commuters faced more inconvenience. Said a commuter, “The trains were suspended between Mankhurd and Nerul for nearly four hours. We had to opt for other means of transport and it was difficult getting a bus or auto.”
    ACR spokesperson said special trains ran during the block period between CST and Mankhurd and on the Panvel-Thane section. “We diverted trains on the Main line between Mulund and Matunga. The Up trains were not available at three stations—Nahur, Kanjurmarg and Vidyavihar,” he said.
    The CR also made announcements, warning commuters not to “travel on footboard or rooftop of locals and not to board overcrowded trains”. This was done after three persons fell off trains during the megablocks carried out two weeks ago.
    On Western Railway, a jumbo block was carried out from 10.35am to 3.35pm on the Down slow line between Mahalaxmi and Santa Cruz stations. Some Up and Down local trains were cancelled and this too caused inconvenience to travellers.