The Central Railway announced the cancellation, rescheduling, and short-termination of numerous train services on July 9 and 10 as restoration work is ongoing following a significant landslide in the Lonavala-Karjat ghat section. This was confirmed through an official press release, highlighting the urgency of the situation.

Officials stated that on the evening of July 7, the middle line of the three-line ghat section was declared safe. However, restoration activities for the remaining two lines are currently in a critical phase. In order to expedite these efforts, over 1,100 workers have been deployed to clear debris from the affected area.

Several key train services have been severely affected by the ongoing restoration operations. Notable cancellations for July 9 include the Pune-CSMT Deccan Queen, CSMT-Pune Deccan Queen, CSMT-Pune Deccan Express, and a number of other express trains. On July 10, the Dadar-Satara Express is also cancelled.

Service Adjustments and Rescheduling of Trains

As part of the adjustments made due to these disruptions, certain trains will follow revised schedules. The CSMT-Bengaluru Express, originally set to depart from CSMT, will now commence its journey from Pune instead. This change illustrates the extent of the operational challenges posed by the landslide.

In addition to cancellations, other trains such as the CSMT-Howrah Express, Hadapsar-Nanded Express, Pune-Ernakulam Express, and Pune-Ahmedabad Express are being rescheduled for earlier departures on Thursday. The adjustments aim to maintain some level of service amid the current issues.

Despite the extensive disruptions, Central Railway reported that some previously impacted services have resumed their normal operations. These include trains like the Chennai-CSMT Express, Chennai-LTT Express, Bengaluru-CSMT Express, and Bhubaneswar-CSMT Express, which were recently diverted via alternative routes but have now returned to their regular schedules.

Impact of the Landslide and Weather Conditions

The landslide occurred following a heavy spell of monsoon rains and has significantly affected both rail and road transportation in the region. The roads leading to Rajmachi Fort were blocked since July 5, prompting extensive debris clearance operations using heavy machinery. The aftermath of the landslide has necessitated urgent measures to restore normalcy.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a weather alert, predicting a “generally cloudy sky with moderate rain” in the Tehsil Mawal region of Pune district through July 10. This continued adverse weather could further complicate restoration efforts and service schedules.

In light of the situation, Central Railway has advised passengers to consult the National Train Enquiry System (NTES) for real-time updates to assist in their travel planning. Authorities are emphasising the importance of being informed about the latest changes to train schedules due to ongoing restoration efforts.

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