Mumbai's Train Lifeline Resurrected After Torrential Downpour

After heavy rains caused track submergence and halted Mumbai's train services, operations on the Central Railway's harbour line resumed by 3 am on Wednesday. Normalcy returned to public transport a day after the deluge. Railway authorities urged caution as further heavy rains were predicted by the IMD.

Local train services on Mumbai's Central Railway harbour line were restored by 3 am Wednesday, following a prolonged suspension exceeding 15 hours due to severe track submersion brought on by torrential rains, officials reported.

All public transport services in Mumbai, including the vital local trains, resumed normalcy by Wednesday morning, following a day of disruption caused by relentless rainfall, as per railway officials.

Swanil Nila, the chief public relations officer of Central Railway, confirmed that the harbour line services were back after water receded by 3 am. Services were initially halted at 11.15 am on Tuesday due to track submergence.

The crippling rains forced railway authorities to suspend operations on the harbour line, and subsequently, the main line, before Tuesday noon. Main line functions, between Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus and Thane, resumed from 7.30 pm, yet the harbour line, spanning Navi Mumbai to south Mumbai, faced extended suspensions. In certain sections, track water levels reached 15 inches.

Chief Public Relations Officer Nila announced, "Currently, services are operational on all lines." In the wake of a heavy rain forecast from the IMD, the divisional railway manager of Central Railway's Mumbai division urged passengers to travel only if necessary and to remain cautious.

Meanwhile, Western Railway authorities disclosed that some suburban services would face cancellations due to the persistent heavy rain and waterlogging issues reported in the city on Tuesday.

(With inputs from agencies.)