On Sunday morning, July 7, train services in Maharashtra’s Thane district, near Mumbai, were halted due to heavy rainfall. The train routes between Kasara and Titwala stations have been affected.
Waterlogging on Tracks
Reports indicate waterlogging on the tracks between Vashind and Khadavli stations on the Kalyan-Kasara route. This has led to long-distance trains being diverted or short-terminated.
Unsafe Tracks
Around 6:30 am, railway officials declared the tracks on the busy Kalyan-Kasara route “unsafe” due to soil erosion between Atgaon and Thansit stations caused by the heavy rain. Additionally, a tree fell and blocked the tracks near Vashind station.
Official Statement
A Central Railway (CR) spokesperson stated, “Train services between Kasara and Titwala have been suspended temporarily.” Another spokesperson mentioned that an overhead equipment (OHE) pole tilted, causing a train’s pantograph to get entangled near Vashind.
Restoration Efforts
Officials assured that restoration work is ongoing and efforts are being made to clear the tracks as soon as possible. The suburban local train services are crucial for Mumbai and neighboring areas, including Thane, Palghar, and Raigad, with over 30 lakh commuters using this network daily.
Affected Routes
Short Terminated and Short Originated Trains:
- Train No. 20705 J – CSMT Vande Bharat Express (Short terminated at IGP)
- Train No. 20706 CSMT – J Vande Bharat Express (Short originated from IGP)
Diverted Trains:
Via DIVA – BSR – JL:
- Train No. 12534 CSMT – LJN Pushpak Express
- Train No. 12519 LTT – AGTL Express
- Train No. 12336 LTT – BGP Express
Via JL- BSR – DIVA:
- Train No. 11060 CPR – LTT EXP JCO (06.07.2024)
- Train No. 12294 PRYJ – LTT Durronto EXP JCO (06.07.2024)
- Train No. 12742 PNBE – VSG EXP (06.07.2024)
- Train No. 14314 BE – LTT EXP JCO (06.07.2024)
Weather Update
Mumbai and surrounding regions have experienced occasional heavy rainfall since last month. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasts moderate rainfall with a generally cloudy sky on Sunday. Light rainfall is expected on July 8 and 9, with moderate rainfall on July 10.
Temperature Forecast
Mumbai’s minimum temperature is 26°C, while the maximum is expected to reach around 33°C.
Rainfall Prediction
Sunil Kamble, the regional met center director, stated that heavy rainfall is unlikely in the next two to three days. However, an orange alert has been issued for some ghat area districts. Central Maharashtra may experience isolated heavy rainfall on Sunday.
Conclusion
The suspension of train services in Thane due to heavy rainfall highlights the impact of extreme weather on essential transportation. Restoration efforts are underway to ensure the resumption of services for daily commuters.