Heavy rainfall disrupted local and long-distance rail services across Maharashtra on Monday, with suburban train operations between Karjat and Khopoli suspended after water flow washed away track ballast. Western Railway services were also severely affected by waterlogging between Vasai Road and Virar, forcing authorities to operate only a limited number of suburban trains and causing widespread delays across the Mumbai local network.

Central Railway said services between Karjat and Khopoli were suspended after alert railway staff detected ballast washout caused by heavy rain and strong water flow. Resources were being mobilised to repair the damaged section and restore operations. Apart from the affected Karjat-Khopoli stretch, suburban services continued to operate on the Main, Harbour, Trans-Harbour and Port lines.

Severe waterlogging between Vasai Road and Virar created additional problems for commuters on the Western Line. Railway authorities operated only a skeletal suburban service on the affected stretch, resulting in delays across the wider network. Passengers were advised to allow significant extra travel time and check official updates before beginning their journeys as heavy rainfall continued.

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Rail movement between Mumbai and Pune was also badly affected after multiple landslides blocked the Karjat-Lonavala ghat section. A landslide was reported between Thakurvadi and Monkey Hill Loop Cabin on the Up Main Line of the Mumbai Division. Debris reportedly blocked all three tracks in the critical Bhor Ghat section, forcing the suspension of regular train operations.

The Bhor Ghat section uses a three-track system designed to handle heavy railway traffic through the mountainous terrain. It includes a Mumbai-bound Up Line, a Pune-bound Down Line and a bi-directional Middle Line used to support train movement on the steep gradient. The complete blockage led to widespread cancellations, diversions and regulation of long-distance and intercity trains.

The rail disruption came as road connectivity between Mumbai and Pune was also severely affected by torrential rain and landslides. Traffic on the Mumbai-Pune Expressway and the old Mumbai-Pune Highway was suspended, while a landslide damaged the recently opened Missing Link section near Tunnel 2. Railway and road authorities continued restoration work and advised passengers and motorists to avoid unnecessary travel until conditions improved.

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