08 July,2026 02:59 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
The Nalasopara-Virar section remained waterlogged at Wednesday. Pic/ X
Heavy rainfall in the Vasai-Virar belt disrupted railway services on Tuesday night and Wednesday morning, with waterlogging between Vasai Road, Nalasopara and Virar forcing several trains to be short-terminated and operated with restrictions.
Western Railway officials said the section received 230-250 mm rainfall within 3-4 hours, leading to severe water accumulation on tracks. While rainfall has remained scattered and sporadic since then, train operations between Churchgate and Vasai Road are currently normal, with speed restrictions imposed at Vasai Road and Nalasopara as water levels gradually recede.
Pumping operations are underway at affected stations, and officials said water levels are below danger marks at all bridges. The situation is being continuously monitored, especially with a high tide of 3.77 metres expected at 5.17 pm.
On Tuesday night, several Virar-bound local trains were halted at Vasai Road due to waterlogging, leaving commuters stranded and frustrated.
Passengers gathered outside a motorman's cabin to protest after trains displaying Virar as the destination were terminated at Vasai and converted into Churchgate-bound locals. Many commuters were forced to walk along railway tracks to reach their homes.
Train services on the affected corridor are currently operating intermittently depending on water levels on tracks. Commuter anger over short-termination of trains has intensified, especially on the Vasai-Nalasopara-Virar stretch.
Western Railway Chief Public Relations Officer (CPRO) Vineet Abhishek said waterlogging between Vasai, Nalasopara and Virar remained the only major challenge, causing trains to run 25-30 minutes late.
"Trains are operating at restricted speed in the affected section, but we are ensuring connectivity between Churchgate and Virar as well as Virar and Dahanu. We are trying to run maximum possible services," he said.
Western Railway launched a large-scale passenger assistance operation after rain disruptions affected suburban and long-distance train services.
More than 9,500 passengers were provided food, drinking water and refreshments with support from NGOs, local residents, social organisations and volunteers.
Relief efforts were carried out at multiple stations including Mira Road, Surat, Amalsad, Bilimora, Valsad, Dahanu Road and Bardoli, where stranded passengers received meals, biscuits, tea, snacks and packaged drinking water.
To assist commuters during the disruption, Western Railway set up dedicated help desks at key stations across Mumbai and Gujarat, including Mumbai Central, Dadar, Bandra Terminus, Borivali, Nalasopara, Virar, Vasai Road, Palghar, Vapi, Valsad, Navsari, Bilimora and Surat.
The railway zone issued regular announcements on delays, rescheduling, cancellations and short-termination of trains. Updates were also shared through social media platforms, while bulk SMS alerts were sent to 4,01,778 passengers across 48 trains.
Western Railway opened 13 additional refund counters at Mumbai Central, Bandra Terminus, Dadar, Borivali, Valsad, Vapi and Surat to assist passengers affected by disruptions.
According to Western Railway, 5,454 passengers received refunds amounting to Rs 40.86 lakh following the rain-related service disruptions.
For more Mumbai Monsoon coverage, including weather forecasts, rain updates, transport disruptions, lake levels and civic advisories, visit our Mumbai Monsoon page.
