Mumbai: National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) rescued more than 200 passengers from two local trains stuck between Masjid Bunder and Byculla railway station in Mumbai city due to waterlogging on the rail tracks.
About 150 passengers stuck in the first local going from Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) to Karjat were rescued on Wednesday (August 5) night. Another local coming from Karjat to CSMT was stuck at a distance of 60 metres away from the first local with 50 to 60 passengers stuck inside.
NDRF Deputy Commandant Sachidanand Gawade said the waterlogged on tracks was about 2.5 to 3 feet deep. One team of the fifth battalion of NDRF was deployed at the spot.
“In view of evolving situation due to incessant rains NDRF has propositioned its four teams at Kolhapur 4 teams, two teams at Sangli, five teams in Mumbai, and one team each at Satara, Thane, Palghar and Nagpur. Total 15 teams have been deployed in the state as of now.”
Due to Covid-19 outbreak and restrictions imposed on travel, only persons engaged in essential services are being allowed to travel by local trains in Mumbai. More than 300 such essential staff were stranded at the stretch between Byculla and CST on Wednesday evening. Waterlogging was reported on the tracks of Central Railways. Due to this train operating on Harbour line between CSMT and Vashi, Thane was affected.
Around 5.30 pm on Wednesday evening, Railway Protection Force received information about the Karjat-bound local train stuck near Masjid Bunder station. The RPF team rushed to the spot and started rescue operations. A team of NDRF was also immediately called in and rescue operations continued till 11pm in the night.
More than 150 passengers were rescued in the first stage and later 50 to 60 passengers were rescued. The water accumulated on railway tracks was about 2.5 to 3 feet deep due to which NDRF teams had to use boats to ferry passengers rescued from the stranded trains.
