Lonavala–Karjat Rail Route Partially Restored; First Trains Resume After Massive Landslides
Pune, 8th July 2026: Central Railway has restored one railway line on the Lonavala–Karjat ghat section after landslides triggered by heavy rainfall disrupted train services earlier this week. The restored line became operational at 10:30 pm on July 7, allowing the gradual movement of passenger trains under speed restrictions while restoration work continues on the remaining two lines.
The first train to pass through the restored Down line was Train No. 11013 Lokmanya Tilak Terminus–Coimbatore Express, which departed the affected section at 12:45 am on July 8 with a speed restriction of 30 kmph. This was followed by Train No. 11041 Dadar–Sainagar Shirdi Express at 1:57 am. On the Up line, Train No. 12702 Hyderabad–CSMT Hussain Sagar Express passed through the section at 5:09 am.
The Lonavala–Karjat section was severely affected on July 6 after heavy rainfall triggered landslides at multiple locations in the ghat section. The disruption led to the cancellation, diversion, rescheduling, short-termination and short-origination of several train services.
According to Central Railway, more than 1,100 labourers have been deployed to clear debris and restore rail traffic. Restoration work is continuing round the clock despite persistent rainfall, poor visibility and strong winds in the ghat section.
To speed up operations, railway authorities have deployed specialised machinery, including a Boulder Special Train, a Ballast Rake, a Unimat track tamping and lining machine, a Duomatic track tamping machine, eight Poclain excavators, and 12 JCB machines for debris clearance, earthwork and track restoration.
Labour special trains are also being operated to transport restoration personnel to the affected locations wherever possible.
Central Railway stated that workers engaged in the restoration have been provided with raincoats, gumboots and other safety equipment. Temporary tents have been arranged for rest, while food and refreshments, including breakfast, lunch, dinner, tea and snacks, are being supplied at the work sites.
Senior Central Railway officials are monitoring the restoration work at the site. Railway authorities have advised passengers to check train running updates through the railway helpline and the National Train Enquiry System for the latest operational information, while updates are also being shared through official social media channels.
