Hundreds of passengers were stranded on Mahalaxmi Express which was held up between Badlapur and Vangani station in Mumbai due to heavy rains since the wee hours today (Saturday, July 27).
A Central Railways officer said 700 passengers are on-board the train. Initial media reports said that at least 2,000 passengers are struck in the Mahalaxmi Express.
A continuous heavy downpour since last night created severe waterlogging on the tracks and in the entire area of the route. So far, 500 passengers have been rescued, reported ANI.
“Due to a raging Ulhas river, the Mahalaxmi Express train got stuck at Chamtoli within the limits of Badlapur due to flooded tracks. The passengers were safe, but the only concern was a rise in water level on the tracks,” Resident Deputy Collector (Thane) Shivaji Patil said.
The train is held up between Vangani and Badlapur, which is 100 kilometers away from Mumbai, since 3 AM today, said a report quoting a passenger on board the train.
A team of National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) arrived at the location where Mahalaxmi Express was held up. Eight flood rescue teams from the Navy including three diving teams have been mobilised with rescue material, inflatable boats and life jackets. A Sea King helicopter has also been scrambled with divers equipped with auto inflatable craft for deployment in the area as advance assessment party. Western Naval Command is keeping a close watch on the situation and is in constant touch with the state administration to respond as required and provide necessary assistance in flood-affected areas.
Railway Protection Force and City police first reached the site and distributed biscuits and water to the stranded passengers.
Central Railways issued an advisory to the stranded passengers to not get down from the train. “Please don’t get down from train. Train is the safe place. Staff, RPF and City Police is in train to look after your well being. Please wait for advice from NDRF and other disaster management authorities,” the Central Railway said in a statement on Twitter.
Heavy rains in Mumbai inundated several areas across the city including Sion, Matunga, Mahim, Andheri, Malad and Dahisar causing huge traffic snarls at major junctions.
Air traffic was also disrupted for a couple of hours in Mumbai, as seven flights were cancelled and around eight to nine were diverted. Around 8:15 am, Mumbai International Airport PRO had announced that flight operations returned to normal.
According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), Mumbai will continue to receive heavy rains till July 29 with the minimum and maximum temperatures hovering around 24 degree Celsius and 30 degree Celsius, respectively.
The weather department also issued an orange alert signifying that authorities should be alert and ready to take necessary action. “Heavy to very heavy rainfall is likely in Mumbai, Thane, and Raigad districts, while extremely heavy rainfall is likely at isolated places in Palghar district,” an IMD official told PTI.