DC to AC: Harbour line to make switch for better connectivity

The CR has drawn a map to complete the project in seven phases to meet the 2012 deadline,said V A Malegaonkar,chief spokesperson. In the first phase,the Kalyan-Thane section will be converted excluding the Thane station. The second phase will cover the patch from Kurla to Thane,excluding Kurla. In the third phase,the trans-creek hrbour line,including the Thane-Turbhe section,will converted from DC to AC.

The conversion of harbour line did not figure in the original plan of Mumbai Urban Transport Project Phase I and II,however,with demand for commercial and residential space in Navi Mumbai growing fast the conversion was included in the project.

The fourth phase of the project will include the Tilak Nagar-Panvel stretch. The last phase will include the Kurla-CST section. This is a critical phase as the CR is yet to decide on demolition of bridges along the section.

“With the conversion of Borivali-Churchgate section by the Western Railway,the CR has to convert its section as well as harbour line trains go up to Andheri and under MUTP it would be extended up to Goregaon,” said a senior railway official.