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By:

Minal Sancheti

2 May 2026 at 12:26:53 pm

Mumbai to face mega blocks on the weekends

Mumbai: On June 28, passengers travelling between Matunga and Mulund stations, as well as between Thane and Vashi, are likely to face inconvenience due to a mega block. There will also be a jumbo block on the weekends between Bhayandar and Borivali stations. Central Railway On Sunday, train services will be suspended due to a mega block between Matunga and Mulund stations. The services on the Trans-Harbour Line between Thane and Vashi stations, will also be suspended. This action will be...

Mumbai to face mega blocks on the weekends

Mumbai: On June 28, passengers travelling between Matunga and Mulund stations, as well as between Thane and Vashi, are likely to face inconvenience due to a mega block. There will also be a jumbo block on the weekends between Bhayandar and Borivali stations. Central Railway On Sunday, train services will be suspended due to a mega block between Matunga and Mulund stations. The services on the Trans-Harbour Line between Thane and Vashi stations, will also be suspended. This action will be taken by the Mumbai division of Central Railway because of various engineering and maintenance works. The block on the main line between Matunga-Mulund stations on the up and down slow lines will be from 11.05 am to 3.55 pm. Down slow line services leaving CSMT Mumbai from 10.14 am to 3.32 pm will be diverted on the down fast line between Matunga and Mulund stations, halting at Sion, Kurla, Ghatkopar, Vikhroli, Bhandup, and Mulund stations, further re-diverted on the down slow line at Mulund station, and will arrive at the destination 15 minutes behind schedule. Up slow line services leaving Thane from 11.07 am to 3.51 pm will be diverted on the up fast line at Mulund station, between Mulund and Matunga stations, halting at Mulund, Bhandup, Vikhroli, Ghatkopar, Kurla, and Sion stations, further re-diverted on the up slow line at Matunga and will arrive at the destination 15 minutes behind schedule. All up and down locals leaving and arriving at the CSMT between 11.00 am to 5.00 pm will reach their destination 15 minutes later than the scheduled arrival time. The Trans-Harbour line block will operate between Thane, Vashi, and Nerul stations on the up and down from 11.10 am to 4.10 pm. Up and Down Trans-Harbour line services will remain suspended between Thane, Vashi, and Nerul stations during the block period. Down line services for Vashi, Nerul, and Panvel, leaving Thane from 10.35 am to 4.07 pm, and up-line services for Thane, leaving Panvel, Nerul, and Vashi from 10.25 am to 4.09 pm, will remain cancelled. Dr. Swapnil Nila, Chief Public Relations Officer, Central Railway, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus, said, “These maintenance mega blocks are essential for infrastructure upkeep and safety. Passengers are requested to bear with the Railway Administration for the inconvenience caused.” Western Railway To carry out maintenance work of tracks, signalling, and overhead equipment, the Western Railway will also operate a mega block, which will be undertaken during the intervening night of June 27 and 28, 2026, between Bhayandar and Borivali stations. During the block period, all fast line trains between Virar and Vasai Road and Borivali will be operated on the slow lines.

Jaipur–Udaipur: Royal Rajasthan Unveiled

From majestic forts and sacred temples to shimmering lakes and heritage hotels, every corner tells a story of courage, devotion and timeless elegance.

Rajasthan, the Land of Kings, is a fascinating blend of grandeur, history, spirituality, and vibrant traditions. Among its many jewels, Jaipur and Udaipur stand out, offering travellers an extraordinary glimpse into India’s royal past and rich cultural heritage. These iconic cities attract millions of visitors from India and around the world with magnificent palaces, picturesque lakes, sacred temples, colourful festivals, and legendary hospitality.


Located in eastern Rajasthan, Jaipur, popularly known as the Pink City, was founded in 1727 by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II. One of India’s earliest planned cities, it was designed according to the principles of Vastu Shastra and traditional Indian architecture. The city is renowned for landmarks such as Amber Fort, City Palace, Hawa Mahal, and Jantar Mantar, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Jaipur’s distinctive pink hue dates back to 1876, when the city was painted to welcome the Prince of Wales, and has since become a symbol of warmth and hospitality.


One of Jaipur’s most revered spiritual centres is the Govind Dev Ji Temple, dedicated to Lord Krishna. The temple occupies a special place in the hearts of devotees and comes alive during Janmashtami and Holi, when thousands gather for devotional singing and vibrant celebrations. It reflects the deep spiritual traditions and enduring faith that remain integral to Rajasthan’s cultural identity.


Situated amid the Aravalli Hills in southern Rajasthan, Udaipur was founded in 1559 by Maharana Udai Singh II of the Mewar dynasty. Known as the City of Lakes, Udaipur is celebrated for its natural beauty and romantic charm. The City Palace overlooking Lake Pichola, the serene waters of Fateh Sagar Lake, Jag Mandir, and Saheliyon Ki Bari create an atmosphere of timeless elegance. Internationally acclaimed as one of the world’s most beautiful cities, Udaipur has become synonymous with heritage, luxury, and royal splendour.


A short drive from Udaipur leads to the sacred Eklingji Temple, one of Rajasthan’s most important shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva. Originally built in the eighth century by Bappa Rawal, founder of the Mewar dynasty, the temple holds immense historical and religious significance. The rulers of Mewar regarded Lord Eklingji as the true ruler of their kingdom, considering themselves merely his custodians. Today, the temple remains a major centre of devotion, attracting thousands of pilgrims, especially during Maha Shivaratri.


The cultural heritage of Jaipur and Udaipur extends beyond their monuments and temples. Both cities have preserved their royal legacy by transforming centuries-old palaces and havelis into heritage hotels. In Jaipur, former royal residences and merchant mansions have been restored into elegant properties offering visitors a glimpse of Rajput nobility. Similarly, Udaipur’s lakefront palaces and historic havelis have been converted into luxurious heritage hotels where guests experience regal surroundings with modern comforts. Intricately carved balconies, grand courtyards, frescoed walls, traditional folk performances, and warm Rajasthani hospitality make every stay memorable.


The culture of Jaipur and Udaipur is vibrant and deeply rooted in tradition. Folk dances such as Ghoomar and Kalbeliya, melodious music, colourful attire, exquisite jewellery, miniature paintings, blue pottery, and handcrafted textiles showcase Rajasthan’s artistic brilliance. Festivals including Teej, Gangaur, Holi, Diwali, and the Mewar Festival fill the streets with processions, music, dance, and elaborate rituals that bring centuries-old traditions to life.


Both cities also serve as gateways to many of Rajasthan’s most popular destinations. Jaipur enjoys excellent connectivity with Delhi, Agra, Ajmer, Pushkar, and Ranthambore National Park, making it an ideal base for exploring northern India. Udaipur is conveniently connected to Nathdwara, Mount Abu, Chittorgarh, Kumbhalgarh, Ranakpur, and Jodhpur, each offering its own historical, spiritual, and architectural treasures.


No journey through Rajasthan is complete without experiencing its celebrated cuisine. Dal Baati Churma remains the soul of Rajasthani gastronomy and is enjoyed in both cities. Jaipur is also famous for its crispy pyaaz kachori, rich laal maas, mawa kachori, and festive ghewar. In Udaipur, travellers can savour Gatte Ki Sabzi, Ker Sangri, Mirchi Bada, Malpua, and Rabdi, reflecting the distinctive flavours of Rajasthan’s desert cuisine.


The best time to visit Jaipur and Udaipur is between October and March, when the weather is cool and ideal for sightseeing and outdoor activities. This period also coincides with many of Rajasthan’s colourful festivals and cultural events, allowing visitors to experience the region at its most vibrant.


Jaipur and Udaipur are far more than tourist destinations. They are living embodiments of India’s royal heritage, where history, spirituality, art, architecture, and culture continue to thrive in harmony. From majestic forts and sacred temples to shimmering lakes and heritage hotels, every corner tells stories of courage, devotion, and timeless elegance. A journey through Jaipur and Udaipur is an immersive experience into the grandeur and soul of Rajasthan.


(The writer is a tourism professional and runs a company, Global Voyages. She could be contacted at goglobalvoyages@gmail.com. Views personal.)

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