Central Railway (CR) has announced the cancellation of several train services on the Pune-Mumbai route on Friday (July 26) as a result of ongoing heavy rainfall. The cancellations affect key trains including the Pune-CSMT Deccan Queen Express, Pune-CSMT Pragati Express, and CSMT-Pune Intercity Express.
The decision to cancel these trains comes as a precautionary measure in response to severe weather conditions. CR’s divisional railway manager (Pune) notified the public via social media that heavy rainfall, waterlogging, and rising water levels between the Badlapur-Vangani section have necessitated these changes.
Swapnil Dhanraj Nila, Chief Public Relations Officer (CPRO) of Central Railways, explained, “Due to the heavy rain, loco pilots have had to reduce speeds because visibility is significantly decreased due to wind and rain, which impacts punctuality. The municipal corporation and other authorities have advised people to stay indoors unless absolutely necessary, given the red alert in place.”
Trains delayed CSMT-bound fast track
Furthermore, train services experienced a disruption of 20 minutes from 6 pm due to a rail fracture between Ghatkopar and Vikhroli on the CSMT-bound fast track.
Central Railway is closely monitoring the situation and will implement necessary safety measures as conditions evolve.
Heavy rainfall lashes Mumbai
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a nowcast warning at 7:00 am, forecasting “moderate spells of rain” at isolated locations over the next 3-4 hours. Districts including Palghar, Raigad, Thane, Ratnagiri, Mumbai, and the ghat areas of Pune and Satara are expected to experience these downpours. An orange alert has already been declared for Mumbai.
The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) stated on Thursday that current weather and rainfall conditions in Mumbai are normal, allowing city life to continue as usual. Consequently, all schools and colleges within the BMC area will remain open as scheduled on Friday, July 26, 2024.
The BMC also advised parents to rely solely on official communications from the civic body and to disregard any other information or rumors about school and college closures.