Trains to, from North India to see delays

Long distance trains traveling between North India and Mumbai are likely to see some massive delays and cancellations as the Parsik Tunnel has seen speed restrictions and a long-term solution is still far away.

The tunnel, which cuts across the Parsik Hill in Thane and is one of the oldest and longest tunnels in the continent, is vital as it is on the fast track of Central Railway (CR) on which long distance trains are usually run.

Officials are afraid that with the speed restrictions and the possibility of a mudslide, the long-distance trains towards and from North India might see even more delays than usual.

“This tunnel is vital because all our trains to states like Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh and Bihar move through this tunnel. If the speed continues at 30 kmph, then it is very likely that these trains will see a severe delay,” said an official, on the condition of anonymity.

The Thane Municipal Corporation (TMC) has agreed to temporarily reconstruct the structures that are in danger of falling on to the tracks, but officials have said that this does not guarantee anything.

“We cannot take a risk with commuter safety so we cannot remove this speed restriction all together, but at the same time we have to keep the trains running as well. If the trains are run at 30 kmph there will be a delay and if run through the slow track, that is via Kalwa, another delay of 20 t0 45 minutes is expected,” the official added.

The other important connect of the CR is the one it has with Konkan Railway via Panvel, as a result of which it is likely to remain unaffected.