Konkan trains delayed by landslide, many stranded

Torrential rains in the Konkan region triggered a major landslide in Ratnagiri district, Maharashtra on Tuesday morning. The landslide delayed trains and caused major inconvenience to scores of commuters who were heading to Konkan for the upcoming Ganesh festival.

Public Relations Manager of Konkan Railway Corporation Limited Baban Ghatge told PTI that a landslide near Pomendi in Ratnagiri district has resulted in the delay of several trains on the route.

"The landslide occurred at 8.15 am due to heavy rains. A heavy wall collapsed on the tracks," he said, adding, "A team of experts is already at the spot and the debris is being cleared. We expect the rail traffic to be normal by 2 pm," he said.

The landslide has left thousands of commuters stranded on the way, he added.

KRCL has been running special trains to clear the extra rush of travellers from Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus, Mumbai to Madgao, Goa since August 28, ahead of Ganesh Chaturthi on September 1.

Considering the rush, the number of coaches on the existing trains has also been increased.