June 20, 2025: Train services along the busy Mumbai–Ahmedabad corridor were thrown into disarray after intense monsoon rains flooded key railway infrastructure, forcing the cancellation of 22 trains and diversion of six more. The downpour led to signal failures and track blockages, causing widespread delays and affecting thousands of passengers.
The disruption began late on Wednesday night, when waterlogging affected the railway’s electronic point systems—mechanisms that control train direction on multi-line tracks. Due to water ingress, green signals reverted to red, halting rail operations. According to Western Railway officials, the failure triggered cascading delays, prompting emergency protocols. Affected trains included essential MEMU services and long-distance express routes, with diversions rerouted through Pune and the Vasai Road–Manmad–Ahmedabad line.
Passengers reported extended travel times—some exceeding eight hours—due to unscheduled detours and lack of timely updates, particularly at smaller stations. In response, railway engineers and disaster teams were dispatched to the worst-hit areas. Temporary drainage solutions were introduced, including electric pumps to remove floodwater from tracks, while electrical teams began signal checks and power system isolations.
Although partial services have resumed, full restoration is expected to take 36 to 48 hours, pending signal recalibration, safety certifications, and track assessments. Freight movement has also suffered, impacting critical supply chains like textiles and automotive components. Industry estimates place losses at over Rs 15 lakh per day due to stranded cargo.
To ease commuter hardship, short-distance services have been increased, refund counters activated, and last-mile road travel arranged from diversion points. However, experts have raised concerns over India’s vulnerability to monsoon disruptions. Calls are mounting for climate-resilient upgrades, including watertight switches, elevated control cabins, and real-time drainage sensors.
A comprehensive review is underway, with Indian Railways planning safety audits across flood-prone routes. As climate volatility grows, the Mumbai–Ahmedabad route underscores the urgent need for adaptive, future-ready infrastructure in India’s public transport network.
Source: Urban Acres
