Pune-Mumbai rail services faced significant disruption as heavy monsoon rains caused water-logging between Khadavli and Titwala on the Kalyan-Kasara section of the Mumbai railway division. This led to the cancellation of eight crucial train services, both from Pune to Mumbai and vice versa, inconveniencing thousands of passengers.
Central Railway promptly announced the cancellation of four trains each originating from Pune and Mumbai. Among the affected trains were the 11010 Sinhagad Express, 12124 Deccan Queen Express, 11008 Deccan Express, and 12128 Intercity Express from Pune, along with the 11009 Sinhagad Express, 12127 Intercity Express, 12123 Deccan Queen Express, and 11007 Deccan Express from Mumbai.
The sudden cancellations left commuters frustrated and scrambling for alternatives, especially those traveling for important engagements like exams. A student preparing for the MPSC exams expressed dismay, stating, “The cancellation of Deccan Queen on the eve of my exams has added to my stress. I’m now unsure if I’ll reach Mumbai on time for my crucial examination.” Similarly, another candidate voiced concerns over last-minute adjustments, saying, “The abrupt cancellation of Deccan Express forced me to hastily book another train. Securing a seat on the Indore-Daund Express amidst this chaos was daunting.”
Passengers like Twinkle Golchha faced anxiety over potential delays affecting their journeys, with uncertainties looming over the operational status of their trains amidst the ongoing rain havoc. According to reports from the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), Mumbai recorded nearly 300mm of rainfall between 1 am to 7 am on Monday, exacerbating water-logging issues across the city’s low-lying areas.
Railway officials in Pune assured that monitoring of critical ghat sections for potential landslides and debris is ongoing, with no reported incidents so far. They affirmed that efforts are underway to resume operations swiftly, with cancelled services expected to resume normal operations from the following day. The disruptions highlight the vulnerabilities of railway infrastructure during the monsoon season and underscore the need for robust contingency planning to mitigate the impact on commuters. As weather conditions stabilize, restoration efforts are paramount to ensure smooth and reliable rail connectivity between Pune and Mumbai, crucial for the region’s economic and social connectivity.
