Twelve years after the Diva fifth and sixth lines project was sanctioned, the work would finally be completed by Monday midnight, claimed Central Railway. The additional lines would separate the long distance and suburban trains, giving a room for more suburban services and minimising delays.
Despite the 72-hour block, there was no cancellation of services on Monday. Thus, unlike Saturday, the trains were not overcrowded, claimed commuters. Monday being a national holiday to mourn the demise of legendary singer Lata Mangeshkar also eased the commuter’s woes.
The Thane-Diva fifth and sixth lines were sanctioned in 2008-09 with equal cost sharing between the Ministry of Railways and the Government of Maharashtra. The work of cut and connection of lines on this section was carried out by operating various blocks earlier. A total of five mega blocks was operated for the commissioning of the fifth and sixth lines between Thane and Diva railway stations, with the 72-hour block being the last.
