Konkan Railway trains affected after Vande Bharat Express strikes buffalo near Sindhudurg in Maharashtra

The incident caused several trains to come to a standstill. PIC VIA RAJENDRA B AKLEKAR

Services on the Konkan Railway were disrupted for four hours after the Mumbai-Goa Vande Bharat Express struck a couple of buffaloes roaming on the tracks between Kudal and Sindhudurg stations in Maharashtra.

While one buffalo died on the tracks, the other was flung onto the mast supporting the overhead wires, damaging it and affecting the power supply.

This caused several trains to come to a standstill.

"The incident occurred at around 11:30 am. All trains travelling from Kudal towards Madgaon were affected. The Vande Bharat Express was cleared with the help of a diesel engine by around 2 pm. The damage was rectified, and power supply was restored after about three hours at 3:05 pm, with railway traffic resuming around 3:30 pm," an official said.

Trains halted at different stations

Many trains running on the Konkan Railway route had to be halted at different stations. The Mandovi Express was detained at Kudal station, the Udhna Express and Shatabdi Express at Zarap station, the Rajdhani Express at Sawantwadi station, the Duronto Express at Madure station, and the Mangala Express at Kankavli. Many passengers returning from the Angnewadi fair added to the crowd.

Confirming the incident, Konkan Railway officials told Mid-Day that services have now been completely restored.