The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) has decided to build a pocket track at Bhakti Park Station as part of Metro Line 4, which runs between Wadala and Kasarvadavali. This will make it easier for trains to park off the mainline.
According to Indian Express, a meeting that was recently held and was led by Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis allowed the MMRDA to bear the additional cost of building the siding line or pocket track.
The authority estimates that this siding line will cost over Rs 38.85 crore to construct.
When a train leaves the main line, a pocket track is used to park and change direction without interfering with services on the main line.
The MMRDA said that trains from the Mogharpada depot could run empty until CSMT in the morning, indicating the need for the pocket track.
This is anticipated since the operations plan for Metro Line 4 is linked to other network metro corridors, including Metro Lines 11 and 10 between Gaimukh and Shivaji Chowk, Mira Road, Metro Line 11 between Wadala and CSMT, Metro Line 4A between Kasarvadavali and Gaimukh, and Metro Line 10.
By providing additional space for trains to park off the mainline on the siding line, this development aims to eliminate the need for trains to travel to the end station.
Following this, initial plans were made to support the pocket track by building two portal piers at a height on a barge at the Bhakti Park Metro station.
However, because one track was in a protected mangrove area, it was decided to build a single cantilever pier with connecting beams to achieve the required span instead of the plan for two piers.
The MMRDA stated that an additional Rs 33.85 crore is required for this construction.