Large-scale soil erosion near the bridge over the Vaitarna river has led to express and local trains being delayed, running 10 to 15 minutes behind schedule. The Western Railway-built bridge is an important link in the Mumbai-Ahmedabad-New Delhi route. Work on shoring up the banks is in progress, but the incessant rain has slowed it down. On this stretch, express trains usually run at around 90 kmph, but now, for safety reasons, WR has ordered trains to keep to under 30 kmph until further notice.
Last Friday, soil erosion has been reported on the Down line (the track towards Ahmedabad) just after Bridge number 92 after Vaitarna railhead. According to WR sources, the soil had become loose for a three-kilometre stretch after the bridge.
Ravinder Bhakar, CPRO, WR, confirmed that there has been soil erosion reported in the area, and that a possible reason could be the ongoing excavation work for the proposed Dedicated Freight Corridor between Mumbai and Delhi, as well as heavy rain. Mr. Bhakar said, “We have started retention work at the site and it would take some time, as the work is hampered due to the heavy rains.” He said speed limits have been ordered on the Down section after Vaitarna. “We will lift the speed limit phase-wise, from 30 kmph to 60 kmph, in the coming few days.”
The writer is a freelance journalist
