To keep trains on track, WR derails people’s plans

The Western Railway’s attempts to operate uninterrupted rail services even during continuous downpour has actually added to public woes as people complain they are getting stranded for hours without relief.

“For the last two days, the Central railway had suspended Central and Harbour services for a few hours. They make announcements so people can avail other modes of transportation. But since WR is operating its rail services despite heavy rainfall, it actually adds to our problems as we get stranded for hours in the train,” complained Jayashree Jadhav, who claimed that she had been travelling for almost two  hours to reach from Andheri to Grant Road.

“We are trying to operate uninterrupted services as far as possible. Also with water logged tracks, our motormen are plying the trains to and fro only to help commuters reach their destinations,” said Pranai Prabhakar, chief public relations officer, WR. However, railway officials said it was not possible to clear the tracks immediately unless the rain stopped and water started receding.

Asked about the pumping facilities to throw waters outside railway limits, Prabhakar said, “For places like Parel and Grant Road, it was not possible to pump out water as roads were also flooded.”

But Shrikant Singh, additional municipal commissioner in charge of disaster management, said, “We cleared 18 culverts before monsoon. Also there was acute water problem near Burhani College in Byculla which was resolved by micro-tunnelling. Similar measures can also be taken on Western Railways, provided they ask for it.”