Mumbai-Pune Trains Partially Resume After Landslides In Khandala Ghat
Train services between Mumbai and Pune partially resumed on Wednesday after a three-day disruption caused by multiple landslides in the Khandala Ghat section, specifically between Lonavala and Karjat. Central Railway restored limited operations on a single track after clearing mud and rocks from the middle line, allowing key trains to run.
The rail link had been severely disrupted since Monday, when heavy rainfall triggered landslides at six to seven locations along the ghat section. Continuous rain and strong winds hampered initial restoration efforts as railway teams worked to clear debris and inspect damaged tracks.
Following the reopening of the middle line, a limited number of trains resumed operations. The Indrayani Express and the Pune Intercity Express were among the first services to depart from Mumbai toward Pune. Two long-distance trains also operated along the restored route.
However, railway officials cautioned that normal services would take more time to fully resume. Safety inspections and restoration work are still ongoing on the remaining damaged tracks.
The ongoing risk was highlighted on Wednesday morning when another landslide was reported near the Khandala railway station. Officials stated that the incident underscored the continued instability of the slopes, which remain saturated from recent record rainfall. Railway authorities are closely monitoring vulnerable stretches of the track and conducting regular safety inspections.
In addition to the railway disruptions, the heavy rain had also impacted road traffic on the newly opened Mumbai-Pune Expressway Missing Link. A major landslide near the approach to the first tunnel on Monday brought down rocks, mud, and part of a concrete protective structure, forcing the temporary closure of the route.
Restoration teams used heavy machinery to clear the road debris and reopened the Missing Link after nearly 12 hours of continuous work. While road traffic has since resumed, some lanes near the affected stretch remain closed as precautionary measures and repair work continue.
With both rail and road routes affected, authorities have advised commuters traveling between Mumbai and Pune to check the latest traffic and railway updates before beginning their journey. They have also urged people to remain cautious as further rainfall over the Western Ghats could trigger fresh landslides.
