Water shortages at Manmad Junction, Central Railways’ Bhusawal division has executed a critical operation by transporting 1.3 lakh litres of water using two rail tankers from Bhusawal, where water availability is sufficient. This proactive measure aims to address longstanding complaints lodged via the Rail Madad portal regarding inadequate water.
facilities at the junction, particularly affecting passengers of prominent trains like the Karnataka Express (12627) and Goa Express (12779) arriving from Pune during the summer months. Division Railway Manager (DRM) Ity Pandey explained that the decision to ferry water directly to Manmad, reducing travel time and logistical strain, was prompted by the significant demand observed and reported water shortages. The junction, servicing approximately 120 trains originating from Mumbai, Daund (Pune), Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, and Bhusawal, required immediate relief due to its pivotal role in railway operations. Manmad Junction typically draws water from the Patoda water tank and the Palkhed dam complex, with current reserves reported at 4.5 crore litres and 3 crore litres respectively. Despite these reserves, daily consumption at the junction, encompassing station operations and railway quarters, averages around 19 lakh litres, necessitating stringent conservation measures amid ongoing water scarcity conditions.
The timely intervention by Central Railways underscores their commitment to operational efficiency and passenger comfort, ensuring essential services continue uninterrupted despite regional water challenges. As the railway sector navigates environmental and logistical hurdles, such initiatives exemplify strategic resilience in managing critical infrastructure under varying conditions. “The water in Patoda tank will last for another 45 days approximately. Palkhed complex with 8.5 TMC of water capacity has just 3% of water left. Therefore, we got the water from Bhusawal,” said another senior officer. As and when required, the additional quantum of water was likely be ferried from Bhusawal to Manmad for passengers and staff quarters. Railways authorities said once the monsoon revives in the city, water bodies would fill up and there would be no scarcity.
