Central Railway is currently battling the aftermath of a major landslide in the Karjat-Lonavala Ghat section, triggered by relentless heavy rainfall. The incident, which first occurred on July 6, 2026, has forced the railway administration to cancel and divert numerous long-distance trains. As restoration work continues, officials have confirmed that disruptions will persist through July 24 and 25, 2026.
Key updates regarding the situation include:
• A massive workforce of over 1,100 personnel is working round-the-clock to clear debris.
• Specialized machinery, including excavators, JCBs, and a dedicated boulder-clearing train, is in operation.
• One line was partially restored on July 7, 2026, at 10:30 PM with a restricted speed of 30 km/h.
• Plans are underway to construct a 26-kilometer emergency road to improve future access in the ghat section.
Restoration Efforts at War Footing
The terrain in the South-East Ghat section is notoriously challenging, making the current restoration work a complex engineering task. Despite the difficulty, senior Central Railway officials are personally supervising the clearing of debris and track repairs. While one line is currently operational under strict speed restrictions, the repair work on the third railway line remains the top priority to ensure the safety of passengers and the structural integrity of the tracks.
Advice for Commuters
Because the situation remains fluid, many long-distance services are still facing cancellations, diversions, or partial terminations. Passengers are strongly advised not to head to the station without confirming their train status. To stay updated, travelers should utilize the NTES app, check the official Central Railway social media channels, or call the dedicated railway helplines before departing for their journey.
Looking ahead, the commitment to build a 26-kilometer emergency road highlights the railway’s initiative to better handle monsoon-related emergencies and ensure faster mobilization of resources in this critical, landslide-prone corridor.