Mumbai: Amid the possible effect of the oncoming severe cyclone Biparjoy, Western Railway services were affected between 2pm to 5pm. The services have now been restored. An overhead equipment (OHE) mast had collapsed between Vaitarna and Virar stations at 2pm on Saturday, causing significant disruptions to UP local train services as well as long-distance train services in the section. Although, as per railway officials, the cause of the collapse is yet to be ascertained. Notably, a bridge belonging to the Dedicated Freight Corridor Corporation of India Limited (DFCCIL) is currently under construction in the vicinity.
The 'very severe' cyclonic storm Biparjoy is expected to intensify further in the next twenty-four hours and will move north-northeastwards, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) had said earlier today.
OHE Collapse Disrupts Mumbai's Western Railway Services Amid Cyclone Biparjoy; Restoration Work Complete | FPJ
The repair work timeline
At 2 pm, there was a tripping of the overhead electrification (OHE) supply between Kelve Road and Vaitarna stations for both the UP and DOWN lines. At 2:19 pm, the DOWN line OHE was restored, but the UP line failed to normalise due to an OHE mast at KM 66/23 uncoupling and tilting from its foundation at Bridge no 90.
In response to the incident, the Borivali tower wagon was readied and departed from Borivali at 2:57 pm, reaching the site at Km 66/23 at 3:45 pm. The repair work commenced at 3:50 pm and was completed by 5 pm. Following the restoration, the first train, an empty coaching special, passed the site at 5:20 pm.
Railway officials take prompt action for restoration
Prompt action was taken as railway officials swiftly reached the site to assess the situation and initiate restoration work. According to a Western Railway (WR) official, the OHE mast detached from its foundation near bridge no. 90 on the Vaitarna-Virar UP line.
The WR official stated that the affected section was made fit for service after necessary repairs. Urgency was given to the restoration work, with officials working diligently to rectify the situation and minimise the impact on rail traffic.
The disruption in train services for the affected time period inconvenienced both commuters relying on UP local trains in the area and passengers traveling on long-distance trains passing through this section.
