Title - Mumbai-bound trains delayed as overhead wire snaps

PUNE: Train passengers faced hardships on Sunday as services on the Mumbai route were affected in the morning for almost two hours when a high-tension electricity cable of the MSEDCL crossing the railway tracks between Chinchwad and Akurdi station snapped and fell on the overhead wires providing energy to run trains on the route.Train movement was halted till the problem was rectified. The heavy downpour throughout the day had a major impact on train services between Pune and Mumbai.Except Sinhagad Express, other trains to Mumbai including Pragati Express, Deccan Queen and Sahyadri Express were stopped at various stations after they had left Pune station. These trains were running behind schedule by at least two hours. Train services on Mumbai-Pune section also remain disrupted. The Mumbai-Pune Indrayani express reached Pune an hour late, while the other trains chugged in at least half hour behind schedule. Two local trains each departing from Pune and Lonavla were cancelled.

An official from railway administration said, "The wire snapped between Chinchwad and Akurdi stations. An overhead wire was damaged after the high tension wire fell on it around 7.10 am. A team was sent immediately. The traffic was restored at 9 am. The power was cut during repair works and the train traffic stopped on both tracks."

A continuous rainfall throughout the day impacted train services between Pune and Mumbai. Movement of trains remained largely affected owing to water logging on tracks especially in Mumbai region. A railway official said no cancellation of trains was reported. Long-distance trains including Konark Express, Nagercoil Express departing from Mumbai and running via Pune were rescheduled, while intercity trains to Pune reached more than an hour late.

Buses were also running late

Besides trains, travellers to Mumbai via buses and private cars also faced delays. Shivneri buses of Maharashtra State Raod Transport Corporation (MSRTC) were at least two to three hours late due to water logging on roads in Mumbai. An official from MSRTC Pune division said, "Buses left from here in morning returned late in evening. There was a delay of at least two to three hours. No trips were canceled." The ST stands were overcrowded owing to Sunday evening as people wanted to go back to Mumbai. The road traffic remained slow all through the day.