Rain affects Mumbai-Pune train services, derails weekend plans

Weekend plans of many were thrown off the track as train services between Mumbai and Pune remained affected for the second day in a row. Several trains were rescheduled

Weekend plans of many were thrown off the track as train services between Mumbai and Pune remained affected for the second day in a row. Several trains were rescheduled or delayed by several hours.

Several trains- Deccan Queen, Pragati Express and Sinhagad Express- were held up for hours because of waterlogged tracks. (ht photo)

Owing to torrential rains, about 20 meters of embankment and ballast below the tracks washed away between Kamshet and Wadgaon station on Friday evening. It brought train services on the Pune-Lonavala section to a standstill.

Several trains, including Deccan Queen, Pragati Express and Sinhagad Express, were held up for hours and many passengers were inconvenienced. They had to spend hours on trains before they could reach their destinations.

After hours of efforts, the Central Railway (CR) authorities were able to restore tracks and resume services but a speed restriction of 10km per hour was imposed keeping in mind the safety of the passengers.

As a result, trains took more time to cross the section.

Read: Downpour in Pune: Motorists hit as E-way, old highway flooded

Several trains were delayed, cancelled or rescheduled, informed the officials. “The Deccan Queen, which departs from CST at 5.10pm was rescheduled at 9.30pm, as tracks were washed out in the Pune division,” the spokesperson added.

Railway officials said the blockage of natural drainage system, owing to rampant constructions in the area, might have caused problems with the tracks. As the accumulated water cannot flow out, it may have washed away the embankment below tracks, they said.

Read: Heavy rains lash Maharashtra, rainfall deficiency in Marathwada down to 36% from 42%

Meanwhile, the road traffic between Mumbai and Pune was back to normal on Saturday. Express Highway control room and motorists said vehicular traffic on the E-way was smooth.