Heavy rains in Thane district, Maharashtra, led to the suspension of local train services between Kasara and Titwala stations on Sunday morning. The disruptions stemmed from a combination of factors, including soil erosion, a fallen tree, and an overhead equipment (OHE) pole tilting.
Around 6:30 am, soil was reported to have come onto the tracks between Atgaon and Thansit stations due to heavy rains. Simultaneously, a tree fell near Vashind station, blocking the tracks. These incidents significantly disrupted rail traffic on the busy Kalyan-Kasara route.
A spokesperson for the Central Railway (CR) confirmed the temporary suspension of train services between Kasara and Titwala. The tracks were declared unsafe at around 6:30 am.
Adding to the complications, another CR spokesperson reported that an OHE pole had tilted, causing the pantograph of the Mumbai-bound Punjab Mail train to become entangled near Vashind.
Restoration work was immediately initiated, with efforts underway to clear the tracks as quickly as possible.
To mitigate the impact of the disruptions, the CR diverted trains via the Kalyan-Lonavala-Pune-Miraj-Londa-Madgaon route due to waterlogging in the Vasind-Khadavli section. Long-distance trains were either diverted or short-terminated.
Reports also indicated waterlogging on the tracks between Vashind and Khadavli stations.
The suspension of train services caused significant inconvenience to commuters, as suburban services are considered the lifeline of Mumbai and neighboring areas, including Thane, Palghar, and Raigad. Over 30 lakh commuters rely on the CR’s suburban network daily.