Heavy rainfall has brought the Palghar district in Maharashtra to a grinding halt, with relentless rain on the fourth consecutive day causing widespread flooding and disrupting transportation. The incessant downpour has forced commuters to trek home on flooded tracks, as train services towards Virar were suspended due to waterlogging.
Flooding Wreaks Havoc in Palghar
Large parts of Vasai remained submerged, with roads resembling rivers and vehicles struggling to navigate through knee-deep water. The Vasai-Nalasopara Link Road was among the worst-hit areas, with residents relying on tractors to travel through hip-deep water. Tractor operators charged Rs 100 per passenger to ferry people to the railway station.
As the situation worsened, some commuters resorted to innovative measures to reach their destinations. One resident modified his motorcycle to keep the engine running through the floodwater, while others walked for kilometres along the railway tracks towards Nalasopara and Virar in the hope of reaching home.
Commuters Face Chaos at Railway Stations
The situation at Vasai Road railway station turned chaotic after train indicators displayed "00.00 hours" for every service. Western Railway suspended local train movement towards Virar after water levels crossed the prescribed safety limit on the tracks. Most suburban services terminated at Vasai Road, while only long-distance trains continued beyond.
- Water levels rose above the safety threshold for operating suburban trains
- Train services towards Churchgate were also running behind schedule due to the jumbling of rakes
- Commuters climbed across railway tracks between platforms in an attempt to board trains
As the situation continues to unfold, commuters are advised to stay updated on the latest developments. The authorities are working to restore normalcy, and train services are expected to resume once the water recedes.
