Bird hit throws WR services off track

After a six-hour mega block on Sunday, commuters hoped for better and faster services on the Western Railway (WR). However, on Monday passengers on their way to work were inconvenienced again as the trains were delayed after a crow hit an overhead wire, snapping it, officials said.

After a six-hour mega block on Sunday, commuters hoped for better and faster services on the Western Railway (WR). However, on Monday passengers on their way to work were inconvenienced again as the trains were delayed after a crow hit an overhead wire, snapping it, officials said.

HT Image

The WR had to cancel over 13 fast and slow services and all fast line services were diverted on to the slow tracks in the morning.

Consequently, all trains were running 20-25 minutes late during the peak hour.

“It was a stray incident. A crow got stuck in the overhead lines at Marine Lines platform number 4 at 7.30am. This caused a short circuit,” said CNK David, public relations officer, WR.

David said to carry out the repair the fast line services were diverted to the slow line.

“The services were restored by 9.15am, but overall trains were running late by 10-15 minutes between 7.30am to 9.15am.”

Commuters, however, were irked with the delay.

“The 10.27am Churchgate-bound train arrived at Goregaon station at least 20 minutes late. Then it was stuck at Bandra signal for 15 minutes. I had no option but to cancel my morning appointments,” said Bhavini Gala, 27, a Goregaon resident.

Many commuters said they were left with no option but to take a taxi or bus to reach their destination.

“I had to leave four trains at Malad because there was no space. The crowd at the station kept increasing, so I decided to take taxi from to Dadar,” said Rupa Vaity, a flower vendor.