Mumbai local train services hit as bamboo structure falls on overhead wire

MUMBAI: Local train services on the Main Line of the Mumbai suburban network were disrupted on Wednesday morning after a bamboo structure fell on an overhead wire between Sion and Matunga stations, Central Railway officials said.
Fast local train services were held up for nearly an hour, affecting office-goers and other passengers. Many commuters chose to walk along the tracks, posing significant risks to their safety.
Central Railway's chief public relations officer Swapnil Nila stated that the bamboo structure was erected around a building adjacent to the railway line.It fell on the UP fast line (Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus-bound) between Sion and Matunga stations at around 7.25 am.
"A bamboo structure erected around a building adjacent to the railway line fell down on the UP fast (Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus-bound) line between Sion and Matunga stations at around 7.25 am."
"Due to the incident, the fast local train services on the Main line were held up as they had to switch off the power supply to the overhead wire for removing the bamboo fallen on it. Services on this line were restored at 8.20 am," he added.
The disruption caused major delays, prompting some passengers to leave the stationary trains and walk along the tracks. Local trains are often referred to as the lifelines of Mumbai, with more than 70 lakh commuters depending on them daily. The Central Railway operates approximately 1,810 suburban services on four corridors: the Main line, the Harbour line, the Trans-Harbour line, and the Belapur-Uran line.
The halt in services caused significant inconvenience to the daily commuters, particularly those traveling to work. Despite the prompt response, it highlights the challenges faced in Mumbai's bustling suburban train network.