Mumbai train services running slow after track fracture at Dahanu

Long distance trains into Mumbai were delayed by 40 to 90 minutes after a rail fracture was detected near Chikla on the Gholwad-Dahanu route on Monday morning

Long distance trains into Mumbai were delayed by 40 to 90 minutes after a rail fracture was detected near Chikla on the Gholwad-Dahanu route on Monday morning.

The Gholwad-Dahanu section where the fracture was detected. (HT)

The rail fracture was detected by goods train locomotive pilot Dinesh G around 6am, when a signal automatically turned red. He informed the Golwad control room,said Ravinder Bhakar,CPRO,WR. The fracture was rectified by 7.15am, Bhakar said.

Trains are currently running on a speed limit of 20 kmph between Gholwad and Dahanu. The incident has delayed by an hour several shuttle and long-distance trains, including Hazrat Nizamuddin-Bandra Garib Rath, Bhavnagar-Bandra Express, Rajdhani Express from New Delhi, Ranakpur Express, August Kranti Rajdhani Express, Chandigarh-Bandra Super Fast Express and Surat-Mumbai Flying Ranee,said Bhakar. The down section — towards Ahmedabad — is on track, he said.

WR sources said the rail fracture could have been caused by low temperatures in the Dahanu area early in the morning, but they have not ruled out other causes.WR is conducting an inquiry, for if the rail fracture was not detected on time, there could have been a derailment. Automated signals averted a disaster, as they alert loco pilots on time, sources said.