Pune: The year 2019 for Indian Railways, especially for the Pune railway division, will be remembered for rescuing the passengers from the flood-affected area.
The passengers of Mumbai-Kolhapur Mahalaxmi Express were stuck for almost 24 hours near Vangani at Thane district (pictured) and Sinhagad Express arrived at Pune junction after 30 hours in July and August respectively during rain.
On July 26, Mumbai-Kolhapur Mahalaxmi Express departed from Mumbai and when was about to pass Vangani station but could not travel beyond the station as floodwater was flowing over the railway track. As many as 1,050 passengers were stuck inside the train including nine pregnant women.
The passengers spent the whole night on the train without light and drinking water. The floodwater was increasing, and the lights were switched off as a safety measure. With the help of National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and Indian Navy and Indian Air Force, the passengers were rescued on July 27.
On August 4, Sinhagad Express departed from CSMT to Pune. When the train was about to pass the ghat section, it was noticed that heavy boulders and mud had fallen on the railway track. Later, the train was diverted via Igatpuri, Manmad and Daund. It took 30 hours to reach Pune junction. Hundreds of passengers were already on the train and it was also carrying passengers of Deccan Queen Express. When the train was coming via Igatpuri, it was stuck at Umbermali station for 13 hours due to flood water on the railway track.
Several trains were cancelled to and from flood-hit Kolhapur. Thousands of passengers were stuck in Pune. However, the Railways refunded the passengers in full. The railway employees including station manager, the staff of the commercial department, ticket counters, engineering, operations were working to rescue and provide safety to the passengers.
Special trains
Raking in money
