Central Railway has cancelled 30 trains, including 14 daily trains, eight trains on limited dates, and eight special trains, from July 10 to July 17. The cancellations affect Pune-Mumbai intercity trains such as Deccan Queen, Deccan Express, and CSMT-Pune Intercity Express. Other cancelled trains include Hubballi-Dadar Express, CSMT-Hyderabad Express, Daund-Indore Express, Chennai Egmore Express, Mahalaxmi Express, Jodhpur-Hadapsar Express, Satara-Dadar Express, Dadar-Satara Express, and special trains connecting Mumbai and Pune with Gorakhpur, Ghazipur City, and Hazrat Nizamuddin.
Landslides on Bhor Ghat Disrupt Mumbai-Pune Rail Routes
Heavy rainfall on July 6 caused multiple landslides on the Lonavla-Karjat section of Bhor Ghat, primarily between Thakurwadi Cabin and Monkey Hill. These landslides
severely damaged all three railway lines on this key Mumbai-Pune corridor, disrupting normal train operations.
Restoration Work Following Extensive Track Damage
Restoration work involves 1,100 personnel supported by heavy equipment under challenging terrain and weather. One of the three railway tracks was restored and became operational on July 7; two remain under restoration. With limited track availability, trains are being operated with two locomotives attached at the front, replacing the conventional banker locomotive system where bankers are attached at Lonavla or Karjat.
Passenger Bookings Suspended; Travel Disruptions Continue
Bookings for all cancelled trains remain suspended until July 17. Passengers face cancellations, diversions, altered schedules, and overcrowding on the reduced service. Monthly pass
holders like Deccan Queen commuters report extra expenses. Some intercity trains, such as Pragati Express and Sinhagad Express, continue to run but with altered conditions. Passengers have expressed frustration over fare charges despite cancellations.
Official Statements on Damage and Operations
Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw described the damage as significant and extensive during his July 9 inspection. Chief Public Relations Officer Swapnil Nila stated, “The decision was taken to reduce uncertainty for passengers. Restoration of all three lines is under way, but considering the extent of the damage and difficult working conditions, the process will take time. Advance cancellations will allow passengers to plan their journeys better.”
Pune rail division PRO Hemant Kumar Behera explained the altered locomotive operations, noting, “Normally, banker locomotives are attached at Lonavla for trains heading towards Mumbai and at Karjat for trains travelling towards Pune. With limited track availability, trains are currently being operated with two locomotives attached at the front.”
Passenger Advisory and Information Sources
Travelers are advised to check train service updates via railway hotlines, the NTES app, and Central Railway’s official social media channels. The restoration and cancellation period extends until at least July 17.
