Konkan Railway Corporation (KRCL) Deputy General Manager Baban Ghatge confirmed that the problem began at 2.35 pm on Tuesday when water started seeping into the Pernem tunnel between Madurai-Pernem section.
Despite initial efforts to clear the water and resume traffic by 10:13 pm on Tuesday, the relief did not last long. By 2:59 am on Wednesday, water once again filled the tunnel, this time with greater intensity, leading to the suspension of train services and widespread chaos.
Due to the rain that started on Tuesday afternoon, many trains were cancelled and the routes of many had to be changed, leaving hundreds of passengers stranded at various stations.
Goa has been receiving heavy rainfall for the last three days and though there was some respite with moderate showers on Wednesday morning, the red alert of exceptionally heavy rains issued by the weather department has added to the woes.
Trains were stopped and routes were diverted
Many other important trains including the prestigious Vande Bharat Express fell prey to this natural calamity. The trains that were cancelled are as follows:
Vande Bharat Express (Mumbai CSMT)
Mandovi Express (Madgaon to Mumbai)
Madgaon to Sawantwadi Passenger train
Madgaon to Mumbai Tejas Express
Madgaon to Mumbai Jan Shatabdi Express
Sawantwadi – Diva Express
Besides, important trains like Tirunelveli-Jamnagar Express, Nagercoil-Gandhidham Express, Ernakulam-Hazrat Nizamuddin Express and Thiruvananthapuram Central-Lokmanya Tilak Express were diverted to alternate routes.
Passengers stranded at stations and chaos
The disruption left passengers stranded at major stations in Goa, including Madgaon, Canacona, Karmali, Thivim and Pernem. There was particularly chaos at Madgaon station, where hundreds of passengers were stranded with no clear instructions on alternative arrangements.
Those stranded included 200 passengers from Gujarat, including 60 senior citizens, who were left confused after the Goa Sampark Kranti Express was suddenly cancelled two hours before its departure. Abdul Walekar, a member of the group, expressed his collective despair: “We have a group of 200 people with us, including at least 60 senior citizens. We were told two hours ago that the train has been cancelled. What should we do now?”
The group, which was headed to Baroda, requested KRCL officials for alternative travel arrangements. Another member said, “We have no problem waiting here at the railway station, but some arrangement should be made for our return journey. We have a big group with us. Staying in Goa means incurring huge expenses.”
KRCL officials, led by deputy general manager Baban Ghatge, assured commuters that efforts were on to clear the track in the Pernem tunnel but they could not give any specific time frame because of water seepage.
Efforts to restore normalcy
“We are trying to resolve the issue as soon as possible,” PTI quoted Ghatge as saying, highlighting the challenges posed by the incessant rains.
As the situation evolves, stranded travellers can only hope for a quick solution to return home or continue their journey. In the meantime, the people of Goa and those passing through its beautiful landscape will have to prepare for more rain and the obstacles that come with it, waiting for the skies to clear and the tracks to dry.
