Over 1,100 workers deployed as CR speeds up restoration after landslides
· Free Press Journal
Central Railway has intensified restoration work on a war footing to normalise train services on the Lonavala-Karjat section after multiple landslides triggered by heavy rain disrupted operations on July 6. One of the three railway lines was restored at 10.30 pm on Tuesday, while work to reopen the remaining two lines is continuing round the clock.
The first down train to pass through the restored line was the 11013 Lokmanya Tilak Terminus-Coimbatore Express at 12.45 am on Wednesday, operating with a speed restriction of 30 kmph. The 11041 Dadar-Sainagar Shirdi Express followed at 1.57 am. In the up direction, the 12702 Hyderabad-CSMT Hussain Sagar Express crossed the section at 5.09 am.
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Railway officials said more than 1,100 labourers have been deployed to clear debris and restore services at the earliest despite continuous rain, poor visibility and strong winds in the ghat section.
To accelerate restoration, Central Railway has deployed specialised equipment, including a Boulder Special train, a ballast rake, a Unimat track tamping and lining machine, a Duomatic track tamping machine, eight Poclain excavators and 12 JCB machines for debris clearance and track repairs.
Labour special trains are also being operated to transport workers to the affected sites wherever possible.
Officials said the safety and welfare of workers have been prioritised, with raincoats, gumboots and other protective gear provided. Temporary tents have been set up for rest, while food, tea and snacks are being supplied at the work sites.
Senior Central Railway officers are supervising the restoration work on site. Railway authorities have urged passengers to check the National Train Enquiry System (NTES) app or contact the railway helpline for the latest train updates, adding that regular information is also being shared through official social media channels.
The landslides, triggered by heavy rainfall on July 6, led to the cancellation, diversion, short-termination, short-origination and rescheduling of several trains on the busy Mumbai-Pune route. Central Railway has appealed to passengers to cooperate as restoration continues.