Karjat-Lonavala Ghat Landslides Trigger Rail Disruptions; Central Railway Issues Helpline Numbers
Railway shares helplines after landslides disrupt ghat train services.
Heavy monsoon rains triggered multiple landslides and mudslides in the Karjat–Lonavala ghat section of Maharashtra, disrupting train services on the busy Mumbai–Pune railway corridor and prompting Central Railway to issue emergency helpline numbers for passengers. The affected stretch, which passes through the Western Ghats, is among the most landslide-prone sections of the railway network during the southwest monsoon. Railway authorities suspended or regulated train movement in the area until engineers confirmed that the tracks were safe for operations.
The disruption affected several trains operating between Mumbai and Pune, with services being cancelled, diverted, delayed or short-terminated due to safety concerns. Railway officials prioritised passenger safety by slowing or temporarily halting train movement through the ghat section while inspection and restoration work was carried out. Commuters were advised to remain updated on train schedules as restoration efforts continued amid persistent rainfall in the region.
To assist stranded passengers and provide real-time information, Central Railway activated dedicated helpline numbers at key stations. Passengers can contact CSMT at 022-22694040, Thane at 9321336747, Lonavala at 8356854238, and Dadar at 9136452387. The helplines have been set up to provide updates on delayed and cancelled trains, restoration work, alternate travel arrangements and other assistance for affected commuters. Railway authorities urged passengers to use these numbers for verified information instead of relying on unofficial sources.
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Engineering teams and disaster response personnel were immediately deployed to the affected locations to restore normal operations. Officials carried out debris removal, cleared mud, rocks and boulders from the tracks, and conducted detailed inspections of hill slopes to identify any additional loose rocks that could pose a risk. Continuous weather monitoring was also undertaken before allowing trains to resume operations, while engineering, operating and safety staff remained stationed at vulnerable points along the route to respond swiftly to any further incidents.
The disruption occurred despite extensive monsoon preparedness undertaken by Central Railway ahead of the rainy season. Preventive measures included installing rockfall barriers, strengthening retaining walls, carrying out slope protection works, cleaning drainage channels and deploying dedicated monsoon patrol teams across vulnerable sections of the Karjat–Lonavala route. These initiatives are aimed at reducing the impact of heavy rainfall and ensuring safe train operations through one of India's most challenging railway corridors.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast continued heavy to very heavy rainfall over parts of the Western Ghats, including the Pune and Lonavala regions, increasing the risk of additional landslides and weather-related disruptions in the coming days. The Karjat–Lonavala ghat section, known for its steep gradients and difficult terrain, remains a critical link on the Mumbai–Pune rail corridor, making uninterrupted operations essential for both passenger and freight movement. Railway authorities have said they will continue monitoring weather conditions closely and take all necessary precautions to ensure passenger safety while restoring normal train services as quickly as possible.
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