Western Railway carried out a unique experiment on June 11, 2026, to prepare Mumbai’s suburban rail network for the monsoon. The railway pumped oxygen into a 250-meter long culvert located under the Matunga Railway Workshop to ensure safe cleaning. This move aimed to prevent waterlogging and keep train services running smoothly during heavy rains.
Why was oxygen pumped into the culvert?
The culvert, which connects the Dadar-Dharavi (DD) drain to the Mithi River, had accumulated waste and silt over several years. This created a dangerous environment filled with toxic and flammable gases like methane. By pumping oxygen into the passage, Western Railway made the atmosphere safe for cleaning staff to enter and remove the debris without risking their lives.
What measures were taken for the cleaning process?
The railway worked with the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) to manage the oxygen flow and silt removal. Super sucker machines were used to pull out large amounts of floating waste and mud, restoring the water-carrying capacity of the drain. Other safety and infrastructure upgrades included in the monsoon plan are listed below:
| Measure | Detail |
|---|---|
| Track Height | Raised by 6 inches in the affected area |
| Monitoring | Installation of floating cameras |
| Equipment | Additional pumps and modern machinery deployed |
| Coordination | Joint effort by Western Railway and BMC |
What did the railway officials say about the preparations?
Chief Public Relations Officer Mr. Vineet Abhishek held a press briefing at Matunga Road station on June 11, 2026, at 3:15 PM. He stated that the railway is working in mission mode to ensure safety and connectivity. The preparations include cleaning tracks, bridges, and drains, along with the use of new technology to handle monsoon challenges.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Why was the Matunga culvert cleaning important?
This 250-meter culvert connects the Dadar-Dharavi drain to the Mithi River. Cleaning it prevents waterlogging on the tracks, ensuring Mumbai Local services do not stop during heavy monsoon rains.
Who assisted Western Railway in this operation?
The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) provided essential support for the oxygen flow and the operation to remove silt and debris from the culvert.