Train services on the Mumbai–Pune ghat section are expected to remain disrupted until at least July 17, with Central Railway issuing advance cancellation notices to passengers as repair work on the landslide-affected stretch progresses.
Several trains, particularly those connecting Mumbai, Pune and other destinations across Maharashtra, have been cancelled. Railway authorities said passengers travelling within the state can opt for alternative modes of transport during the disruption. Confirmed ticket holders have already begun receiving SMS notifications informing them that their trains have been cancelled due to operational reasons.
Central Railway Chief Public Relations Officer Swapnil Nila said the decision to announce cancellations well in advance was taken to minimise inconvenience to passengers. “Cancellation messages are being sent because it would become difficult for passengers to make alternative travel arrangements if they are informed at short notice. We also require longer traffic-free blocks on the tracks to carry out restoration work safely and efficiently,” he said.
Among those affected is Mumbai resident Ritika Shah, whose Friday train to Kolhapur was cancelled. She also said she was unable to get a reservation on the Mahalaxmi Express for next week.
Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw on Thursday reviewed restoration work in the 27-km Khandala–Karjat ghat section. He said trains operating on the single functional line will continue to use two locomotives, as the slip line required for attaching and detaching banker engines remains damaged.
Vaishnaw also noted that transporting heavy machinery and construction material to damaged sites has been challenging due to difficult terrain and continuous rainfall.
One of the three railway tracks was reopened on Tuesday after services remained suspended for nearly 44 hours following landslides at two locations in the Lonavala ghat section. Trains are currently running at a restricted speed of 30 kmph. Railway officials said repairs have been completed at six of the nine damaged sites, with around 24 to 25 trains operating daily on the restored line while work continues on the remaining stretches.
Source: The Times of India
