Central Railway is working on a war footing to restore full train operations between Lonavala and Karjat after a major landslide struck the section on July 6, 2026. Heavy monsoon rainfall triggered the incident between Thakurwadi and the Monkey Hill Loop Cabin, causing a complete halt across all three railway lines. While the situation remains challenging due to persistent weather, railway teams have successfully restored the middle line as of 10:30 PM on July 7, 2026, allowing passenger trains to resume movement at a restricted speed of 30 kmph.
Massive Restoration Effort Underway
To clear the debris and stabilize the tracks, more than 1,100 labourers and engineering staff have been deployed to the site. The operation is supported by specialized equipment, including a Boulder Special Train, a Ballast Rake, Unimat and Duomatic track tamping machines, eight Poclain excavators, and twelve JCB machines. Labour special trains are currently operating to ensure that personnel and materials reach the affected zones efficiently. To support the workforce during these harsh weather conditions, Central Railway is providing essential gear, including raincoats and gumboots, alongside continuous food and rest facilities.
Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw personally reviewed the site on July 6, and senior officials are maintaining round-the-clock supervision to ensure safety. Beyond immediate debris removal, engineers are focused on long-term prevention. This includes the construction of gabion retaining walls, extensive earth reinforcement, and the installation of rockfall barriers and rock bolting to secure the vulnerable 12-km stretch between Thakurwadi and Khandala.
Impact on Passenger Services
The disruption has necessitated the cancellation and rescheduling of several key services for July 9 and 10, 2026, most notably the Pune-CSMT Deccan Queen and the CSMT-Pune Deccan Express. With the India Meteorological Department forecasting continued moderate rainfall through July 10, passengers are strongly advised to stay updated on their travel plans. Travelers should utilize the 139 railway helpline, the National Train Enquiry System (NTES) app, or official Central Railway social media handles for real-time train running status before heading to the station.