Mumbai: All 700 Stranded on Mahalaxmi Express Due to Rains Rescued

Mahalaxmi Express was held up for hours now between Badlapur and Wangani station in Mumbai due to heavy rains in the area.

Mumbai: All passengers onboard the Mahalaxmi Express have been rescued after the train was held up between Badlapur and Wangani station since early morning due to heavy rains. All the rescuees are safe and out of danger.

Heavy rains in Mumbai stalled the Mahalaxmi Express with 700 passengers under duress for hours before rescue teams reached them.

Food served at Badlapur station by TC and station staff to the rescued passengers. #MahalaxmiExpress pic.twitter.com/uUZjOqOdiO

— Central Railway (@Central_Railway) July 27, 2019

A special train with 19 coaches will now leave from Kalyan to Kolhapur with the passengers of Mahalaxmi Express.

A team of NDRF personnel reached the spot with eight boats followed by three diving teams and some Naval teams who came with inflatable boats, life jackets and medical supplies.

Rescue operation going on in Badlapur. #MahalaxmiExpress pic.twitter.com/ZnLFOGys2X

— Bazm-e-Sukhn (@tamashbeen_) July 27, 2019

A helicopter with divers equipped also helped immensely in the search and rescue operation but due to bad weather, helicopters of Navy and Air Force returned to base after doing an aerial survey.

The Western Naval Command kept a close watch on the situation and stayed in constant touch with the state Administration to respond as required and provide necessary assistance in flood-affected areas.

Earlier in the day, a team of Railway Police Force and city police reached the site where Mahalaxmi Express was held up and assured the safety of passengers. They also distributed biscuits and water to all onboard.

Mahalaxmi Express rescue operation: 8 flood rescue teams from Navy including 3 diving teams mobilised with rescue material, inflatable boats & life jackets. A Seaking Helicopter also sent with divers for deployment in the area as advance assessment party. #Maharashtra pic.twitter.com/qBNyGXefL1

— ANI (@ANI) July 27, 2019

In addition, Train No. 17416 Kolhapur-Tirupati Express has been cancelled since T.no.17411 is running late due to heavy rainfall and waterlogging between Vangani and Badlapur, and land sliding in ghat section over Central Railway.

Also, Train No. 17415, Tirupati-Kolhapur Express scheduled for 28.07.2019 will remain cancelled for want of rake.