Flooding Causes Havoc, Stranding Passengers and Disrupting Rail Services, India
In a concerning turn of events, the Mumbai-Ahmedabad train route has been severely affected due to the Narmada River surpassing the danger mark in Gujarat. This unprecedented situation has led to a halt in train services, causing considerable inconvenience to passengers. Here, we provide a comprehensive update on the situation and its impact.
Narmada River Surpasses Danger Mark
On Sunday night, the Narmada River in Gujarat experienced a significant rise in water levels, breaching the danger mark between the Bharuch and Ankleshwar stations in the Vadodara division. This development led to the suspension of train traffic on the Mumbai-Ahmedabad route for approximately 11 hours, according to the Western Railway.
Stranded Passengers Receiving Assistance
Western Railway’s Chief Public Relations Officer, Sumit Thakur, stated that while the water level in the Narmada River has begun to recede, it still remains above the danger mark. Passengers stranded on trains have not been forgotten, as arrangements are being made to provide them with refreshments, tea, and water during this challenging time. Thakur also reassured that the water level is expected to fall below the danger mark within the next few hours.
Helpline numbers have been established to provide passengers with essential train-related information and assistance, ensuring that they stay well-informed during the disruptions.
Cancellation of Train Services
The repercussions of the flooding are far-reaching, with at least one-and-a-half dozen trains, including popular services like the Mumbai-Ahmedabad Tejas Express and Shatabdi Express, being cancelled due to the flood, as reported by Western Railway. This has left many passengers in limbo, awaiting updates on when normal services will resume.
Heavy Rainfall Adds to Woes
The flooding was triggered by heavy rainfall that battered various parts of Gujarat on Sunday, leading to the inundation of low-lying areas and the isolation of several villages. The surging Narmada River, along with other rivers in the region, compounded the crisis, necessitating swift response measures from authorities.
Rescue Operations in Full Swing
In the face of adversity, the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams sprang into action, evacuating approximately 206 villagers from affected areas following the release of excess water from the Sardar Sarovar Dam in Gujarat’s Narmada district. Among those evacuated were 18 infants, 15 children, 61 women, and 112 men from three villages, including Gabhana, Akteswar, and Sanjroli.
In Bharuch district, approximately 2000 residents have been relocated to relief camps due to the inundation caused by the Narmada River. The water level near the Golden Bridge in Bharuch district surged to about 9 feet above the danger mark, highlighting the gravity of the situation.
Conclusion
The disruption of train services on the Mumbai-Ahmedabad route due to the Narmada River crossing the danger mark underscores the vulnerability of transportation infrastructure in the face of natural calamities. While efforts are underway to normalize the situation, passengers are advised to stay updated through helpline numbers and exercise patience as authorities work tirelessly to mitigate the impact of the flooding.
As Gujarat grapples with the aftermath of heavy rainfall, it serves as a reminder of the importance of preparedness and resilience in the face of unpredictable weather events.
