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Central Railway authorities have ambitious plans of modernizing its operations and speeding services. But it seems like they have forgotten about the most important thing- the three level crossings. These affect daily services by several minutes. Officials have also confirmed that the level crossings on the CST-Kalyan section at Thakurli, Diva and Kalwa causes a lot of delay in train schedules. Trains running on the Kalyan-Thane section lose around three to five minutes at every level crossing. But according to sources, these level crossings usually do not operate during peak hours. The Central Railway that has been talking of modernizing its operations and speeding up services seems to have conveniently forgotten about the three level crossings in Thane zone that affect daily services by several minutes. Officials confirm that level crossings on the busy CST- Kalyan section at Thakurli, Diva and Kalwa causes notable delays to the CR schedules. On an average, a train loses precious running time at any level crossing, said an official. Trains running on the Kalyan-Thane section lose around 3-5 minutes at every level crossing. Sources informed that these crossings are usually not operated during peak hours. However, an insider informed that operations of these crossings often affect schedules during the evening peak hours. Also, the timetable has been set keeping in mind any unforeseen delays like the one that happened last where a sand-laden dumper got wedged between the tracks at Diva. Morning peak hour traffic was badly disrupted creating a ripple effect on day long services, informs a source. To minimize effects of delays caused by waiting time at crossings, the crew often covers up by speeding on certain stretches between Thane and Kalyan. The railways have been selling the idea of faster commute to passengers since a long time but have been neglecting the presence of these level crossings in this area for long, admits a railway official. Level crossings in Mumbai were slowly phased out and overbridges were built over them with the latest being at Vikhroli. However, bridges over all these crossings in the city are yet to materialize probably because of an alleged indifferent approach by authorities or lack of adequate push by elected representatives. MP Anand Paranjape said he was coordinating with the TMC and railways for faster implementation of the bridges. "Work on the Kalwa and Thakurli bridges may begin soon, but the one at Diva may take some time as the authorities are yet to work out a proper design for the same. The railways are likely to stop operations of the level crossing soon at Diva soon as it affects their daily schedules," said MP Paranjape. Commuters feel that the bridges will not only save time in travelling by train but also by road as they won't have to wait for a train to pass. ''We have to wait endlessly at the level crossing. Some bikers often risk their lives and cross the tracks when a train is about to pass. The authorities concerned should come up with a solution at the earliest," said Shekhar Shetti, a resident of Thakurli. "Whenever our train halts at the level crossing, it delays our schedule. Every minute counts and the railways have to understand this. While the administration is simply increasing fares of suburban travel, they should provide faster services," said Anil Jagtap, a resident of Diva. Railway officials were not available for comment on this issue despite repeated attempts. Kalwa: <ul> <li style="text-align: justify;">Two existing slow CR main lines</li> <li style="text-align: justify;">Duration of crossing operations: 3-5 minutes depending on traffic</li> <li style="text-align: justify;">Frequency: Once every 30-45 minutes</li> <li style="text-align: justify;">What is needed: Building a rail over bridge that will cross over the existing two and the under construction additional pair of lines under MRVC</li> <li style="text-align: justify;">Status: Work to start soon</li> </ul> Diwa: <ul> <li style="text-align: justify;">Affecting: Four CR main lines</li> <li style="text-align: justify;">Duration of crossing operations: 3-5 minutes depending on traffic</li> <li style="text-align: justify;">Frequency: Once every 45 minutes</li> <li style="text-align: justify;">What is needed: Building a rail over bridge that will cross over the existing four and the under construction fifth-sixth lines under RoB not feasible here as no space available for bridge landing at either ends.</li> </ul> Thakurli: <ul> <li style="text-align: justify;">Affecting: Four six main lines</li> <li style="text-align: justify;">Duration of crossing operations: 3-5 minutes depending on traffic</li> <li style="text-align: justify;">Frequency: Once every 45 minutes</li> <li style="text-align: justify;">What is needed: Building a rail over bridge that will cross over the existing four and the under construction fifth-sixth lines under MRVC</li> <li style="text-align: justify;">Status: Tender notice released, agency to be appointed.</li> </ul> Source-On Request

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