‘CR ignored warnings on clean-up’

Weeks before its suburban services were disrupted by water-logging, the Central Railway had been warned about it by the commissioner of railway safety (CRS).

Weeks before its suburban services were disrupted by water-logging, the Central Railway had been warned about it by the commissioner of railway safety (CRS).

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During the pre-monsoon inspection on May 27 on the Harbour line, the CRS had found that drains and culverts passing through CST-Panvel section were clogged and had written to the divisional railway manager (DRM) about it.

“After inspecting the Harbour line, I had pointed out to CR Mumbai division about the incomplete status of cleaning on CST-Panvel section. The division was also directed to inspect CST-Kalyan and Thane-Vashi section and take necessary action,” said Chetan Bakshi, CRS, central circle.

Water-logging severely affected suburban railway services for three consecutive days. On Saturday, evening peak hour services were affected due to flooding at Bhandup, Thane and Kanjurmarg. On Sunday, 21 services were cancelled owing to water-logging. More than 150 trains were cancelled on Monday and many delayed by over 45 minutes on both main suburban and harbour lines.

Mukesh Nigam, DRM, Mumbai division, CR, said: “The CRS has asked for routine monsoon preparedness report, which will be submitted.”