Operations on the Konkan Railway route faced significant disruption as a result of water leakage from a tunnel between Pernem in Goa and Madure in Maharashtra. The incident, which began around 2:30 pm on Tuesday, led to waterlogging on the tracks, forcing authorities to cancel twelve trains and divert over two dozen others.
Railway officials initially cleared the track on Tuesday evening after the leak was detected. However, the issue resurfaced around 3 am on Wednesday, necessitating a second closure. Among the affected trains were prominent services like the Mumbai-Goa Vande Bharat Express, Mumbai-Goa Janshatabdi Express, Mandovi Express, and Mumbai Mangaluru Express.
In response to the disruption, Konkan Railway set up a help desk at Madgaon Station to assist stranded passengers and provide information about diverted and cancelled trains. Passengers were encouraged to contact the dedicated helpline at 0832 2706480 for assistance.
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The incident highlighted the logistical challenges faced by railway authorities during adverse weather conditions, particularly concerning tunnel maintenance and infrastructure resilience. Railway services on the Konkan route were halted temporarily at various points as efforts continued to manage and resolve the waterlogging inside the tunnel at Pernem.
Efforts to mitigate the impact of such disruptions included continuous monitoring and swift response mechanisms by Konkan Railway officials. The establishment of a help desk aimed to streamline communication with passengers affected by the service alterations.
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The temporary closure and subsequent disruptions on the Konkan Railway underscored the vulnerability of rail infrastructure to natural elements. While efforts were made to restore normalcy swiftly, the incident highlighted the importance of robust maintenance and preparedness measures to minimize such occurrences in the future.
In summary, the water leakage incident on the Konkan Railway route necessitated significant operational adjustments, impacting passenger travel and prompting rapid response measures by railway authorities to manage the situation effectively.