Heavy Rain Disrupts Western Railway, Over 20 Trains Stranded Across Mumbai-Gujarat Route

Heavy rainfall and severe waterlogging on Monday disrupted Western Railway operations , leaving more than 20 long-distance trains stranded and affecting over 40 services on the Mumbai–Ahmedabad trunk route.

Railway officials said tracks were submerged between the Vasai Road–Virar and Saphale–Palghar sections, severely impacting train movement across key stretches. As of 1:50 pm, services were being regulated at stations including Virar, Vangaon, Palghar, Dahanu Road and Valsad.

According to Western Railway, the situation worsened after parts of Palghar district received nearly 300 mm rainfall in just two hours , intensifying flooding by morning. Services were hit due to waterlogging, cancellations, diversions, short-termination and a landslide, officials said.

Several major long-distance trains were affected, including the Bandra Terminus–Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra Express, Mumbai Central–Hazrat Nizamuddin Rajdhani Express, Saurashtra Express, Amritsar Express, Chandigarh Express, Hisar Express, Bikaner Express and Veraval Express.

Incoming trains from Ahmedabad, Jodhpur and Bhuj were halted at Vapi and Surat to avoid congestion on the flooded network.

Western Railway, along with local NGOs, distributed food packets, water and refreshments to stranded passengers. Around 500 meal packets were provided to passengers of the Hazrat Nizamuddin–Mumbai Central Garib Rath Express at Palghar, officials said.

Help desks were set up at major stations, including Mumbai Central, Bandra Terminus and Surat, to assist commuters.

Suburban services were also affected, with trains between Borivali and Churchgate running 15–20 minutes late, while the Virar–Dahanu section faced the most severe disruption.

Railway authorities have advised passengers to check real-time train status before travel as restoration work continues.