Nashik Faces Heavy Rainfall, Authorities Step Up Precautionary Measures
Nashik remained on high alert after relentless rainfall over the past 24 hours significantly impacted normal life across the district. In response to the worsening weather conditions, authorities ordered the closure of schools as a preventive measure to ensure the safety of students. Devotees were also barred from entering the renowned Trimbakeshwar Temple, with darshan temporarily suspended amid concerns over heavy rain and public safety.
Officials continue to closely monitor the situation as rainfall persists, urging residents to remain cautious and avoid unnecessary travel.
Intense Rainfall Triggers Series Of Landslides In Karjat-Lonavala Ghat
The ongoing monsoon also wreaked havoc on the Mumbai-Pune railway corridor after exceptionally heavy rainfall triggered multiple landslides in the Karjat-Lonavala Ghat section.
According to railway officials, nearly 600 mm of rain fell within 24 hours, while Lonavala recorded around 670 mm of rainfall by 7 am on Monday. The region had already received approximately 300 mm of rain on Sunday, saturating the terrain and increasing the risk of slope failures.
The severe weather resulted in landslides at several vulnerable locations, disrupting rail connectivity along one of Maharashtra’s busiest railway routes.
Railway Infrastructure Damaged As Restoration Work Continues
Central Railway’s Chief Public Relations Officer, Swapnil Nila, said the first major landslide occurred near Thakurwadi, affecting all three railway lines in the Bhor Ghat section. Another landslide followed between Monkey Hill and Khandala, further complicating restoration efforts.
“About 160 mm of rain fell in the first four hours on Sunday, leading to landslides at multiple vulnerable locations. The first landslide occurred near Thakurwadi, impacting all three lines in Bhor Ghat, followed by another between Monkey Hill and Khandala,” Nila said.
He added that a tree also collapsed onto the down main line near Khandala station.
“Tracks have suffered extensive damage at some locations but prompt restoration work has been undertaken despite incessant rain in the ghat section,” he said.
Railway teams have been working continuously despite adverse weather conditions to restore operations at the affected locations.
Early Warnings Prevent Major Mishap
Railway authorities credited preventive measures for averting a serious accident. Stationary watchmen had been deployed at vulnerable points across the ghat section due to the forecast of heavy rainfall.
According to Nila, their timely alerts ensured that trains were stopped before reaching landslide-hit areas, preventing injuries or loss of life.
During the disruption, the Daund-Gwalior Express was halted near Khandala, while the Lokmanya Tilak Terminus-Bengaluru Express was stopped near Thakurwadi. Both trains were safely moved back to Lonavala and Karjat stations early on Monday morning.
Train Services Across Mumbai-Pune Route Severely Affected
The landslides caused widespread disruption to railway operations throughout the day. Central Railway cancelled 27 trains, including four suburban services operating between Palasdari and Lonavala.
Additionally, 57 trains were diverted, 19 services were short-terminated, 15 originated from alternate stations and four trains were rescheduled as restoration work continued.
Railway authorities have deployed around 200 workers at the affected sites and are mobilising an additional 200 personnel to accelerate repairs and resume normal train movement at the earliest.
