Maharashtra floods: Trains on Central Railway, Konkan Railway back on track

BEST team that has joined relief efforts in flood-hit Mahad

Days after rail traffic was disrupted on Central Railway, particularly the Karjat-Khopoli section, and the Konkan Railway due to heavy rain, services have resumed on both the lines.

Shivaji Sutar, CR's public relations officer, said the Karjat area received 1,418.84 mm rain that battered the Bhor ghat two days ago resulting in extensive damages. "There were breaches at four locations for a total length of 150 metres and at seven locations ballasts washed away resulting in suspension of services on this section. Six overhead wire poles with foundations were damaged. Two digital circuits and four-point machines were also damaged," he said.

CR engaged over 300 workers to restore the line and by 3.30 pm on Sunday, the track was declared fit and a trial run was conducted. After clearing the machinery from the section, traffic resumed on the Khopoli route on Monday morning, Sutar said.

Services on the Konkan Railway were also restored late last week and trains are now plying regularly. Passengers, however, complained of issues over ticket refunds as a number of trains were cancelled or short-terminated.

Rail track cleared of mud and stones near Khopoli

Passenger Sunil R Agarwal said, "Passengers are facing problems over the refund of full fare due to abrupt cancellation of trains. The railways updated about the restoration of services promptly, but not about cancellation." He added, "Passengers with tickets usually get messages on the phone and many seem to have been left out, because of which many could neither travel nor cancel their tickets."

Also read: Maharashtra floods: I was stuck in neck-deep water for 2 days, says Chiplun man

Another traveller, Yogesh Sapkale, said he had booked train tickets both ways for Latur. "Since the train from Mumbai had been cancelled, I could not reach there and the ticket was automatically refunded full fare. But I had to cancel the return ticket and charges were deducted. It is an undue loss for the passengers," he said.

Minister to hear grievances

Deputy Rail Minister Raosaheb Danve said he would be visiting Mumbai and Thane to listen to commuter grievances once the Parliament session is over. Thane MLA Sanjay Kelkar met him with a host of requests and petitions from commuter organisations from Thane.

BEST team head for flood-hit areas

A seven-member team with towing vehicles, equipped with necessary spares, special inflated tyres and medicines, have been sent to flood-hit areas. The squad started from Wadala depot at 11 am on Sunday and reached Mahad at 7.30pm. They are coordinating with Mahad tehsildar for relief work.

1,418
mm of rain in Karjat area last week

300
No. of workers who cleared the Khopoli stretch