Relentless Rain Brings Transport Network To A Standstill
Days of relentless rainfall across Maharashtra and Gujarat have triggered widespread disruption, crippling road and rail connectivity while prompting extensive rescue operations in several flood-affected areas. The worst impact has been reported along the Maharashtra-Gujarat border, where flooding and waterlogging have severely affected interstate travel.
Authorities said continuous downpours have weakened road connectivity near the interstate check post, making movement between the two states increasingly difficult. Emergency response teams have been deployed to rescue stranded residents and monitor flood-prone locations.
NH-48 Choked By Massive Traffic Jam
One of the biggest impacts has been witnessed on National Highway 48, where traffic has remained virtually frozen for the last few days. A traffic queue stretching nearly 35 to 40 kilometres has left thousands of vehicles stranded as flooded roads and slow-moving traffic brought the highway to a halt.
Many commuters have been forced to spend hours, and in some cases days, inside their vehicles due to the absence of alternate routes. Although rainfall briefly eased on Thursday night, fresh heavy showers on Friday further aggravated the situation.
Even an Army convoy travelling from Maharashtra towards Gujarat was caught in the prolonged traffic congestion. Officials also confirmed that the Vapi check post remains closed because of adverse weather conditions, adding to travel difficulties.
Rail Operations Affected On Delhi-Mumbai Route
Heavy rainfall has also disrupted railway services, particularly on the busy Delhi-Mumbai corridor.
Western Railway officials said rising water levels near a bridge between Gholvad and Umargam Road crossed the danger mark, forcing authorities to regulate train movement. As a result, seven Mumbai-bound trains were halted at different stations across Madhya Pradesh, including Ratlam, Nagda, Meghnagar, Namli, Limkheda, Thandla Road and Bamaniya.
Railway authorities are continuously monitoring track conditions before restoring normal operations.
Palghar Reports Deaths, Large-Scale Rescue Operations
In Maharashtra’s Palghar district, two people have lost their lives in rain-related incidents over the past two days, while emergency teams successfully evacuated 244 residents from inundated areas during overnight rescue operations.
The district administration, assisted by two National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams, completed rescue efforts early Friday morning. Officials identified Dahanu and Talasari among the worst-affected regions, where several villages and residential areas remain submerged.
As a precautionary measure, schools and educational institutions across Palghar have been ordered to remain closed.
Authorities Remain On High Alert
Disaster management agencies in both Maharashtra and Gujarat continue to monitor the evolving situation as heavy rainfall persists in several districts. Rescue personnel remain stationed in vulnerable locations, while commuters have been advised to avoid unnecessary travel until weather conditions improve and blocked transport routes are cleared.
