Mumbai-Pune ghat trains to keep running with two locomotives after landslide damage

Railways will keep trains moving on the Mumbai-Pune ghat section with two locomotives for now, after landslide damage disrupted the corridor and forced a temporary reduction in service.

Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw reviewed restoration work on July 9. Officials said one line in the landslide-hit stretch has been restored, but the route will continue to operate with two locomotives because the slip line used for banker engines is still unavailable.

Restoration work continues

The disruption began after heavy rain triggered landslides at two sites in the Lonavala ghat section. Central Railway said the corridor faced a 44-hour interruption before limited train movement resumed on a single line.

A restored line between Thakurwadi Cabin and Monkey Hill has allowed trains to run again, but only in a restricted setup while repairs continue.

Service impact

Railways have also begun sending advance cancellation messages to passengers for some services. One report said normal operations on the Mumbai-Pune ghat section are unlikely before July 17.

The Mumbai-Pune corridor is one of the busiest intercity rail links in the region, and the ghat section requires banker engines to help trains climb the steep gradient. The temporary two-locomotive arrangement is being used to keep services moving while the damaged slip line is fixed.

Passengers should expect further schedule changes until restoration work is complete and the line can return to normal operations.