By Sitaram Mewati | Mumbai
Persistent monsoon rains across parts of Maharashtra and Gujarat disrupted rail services on the busy Mumbai-Gujarat route on Thursday, affecting thousands of passengers as Western Railway regulated train operations due to rising water levels near several railway bridges.
According to Western Railway, continuous rainfall led to water levels increasing around vulnerable bridge locations in the Palghar section, prompting railway authorities to introduce precautionary restrictions to ensure passenger safety. Train movement was temporarily regulated on certain stretches while engineering teams carried out inspections and monitored the situation.
The disruption resulted in the cancellation of 15 trains, while a number of other services were either diverted or short-terminated. Among the affected trains were several important intercity services connecting Mumbai with Ahmedabad, Gandhinagar, Surat and other destinations in Gujarat, causing inconvenience to passengers travelling for business and personal commitments.
Railway officials said restoration work and safety inspections were undertaken on a priority basis as water levels gradually receded at some locations. Services on certain sections resumed later in the day under speed restrictions until normal operating conditions could be restored.
Western Railway advised passengers to verify the latest status of their trains before leaving for railway stations, as weather conditions continued to remain unpredictable in several parts of the region.
The India Meteorological Department has forecast further heavy rainfall over parts of Maharashtra and Gujarat during the next 24 hours, keeping railway authorities on alert. Officials said the safety of passengers remains the highest priority, and operational decisions will continue to be taken based on weather conditions and track safety assessments.
Editor in Chief : Mewati SItaram
