Mumbai's local train services on the Harbour line faced significant disruptions on Friday after a piece of cloth became entangled in the overhead electric wires near Chembur station. The incident occurred during the morning rush hour, causing delays and inconvenience for thousands of commuters.
Incident Details
The mishap took place around 10:30 AM when a cloth, possibly from a nearby building or a passing train, got caught in the high-tension wires. This led to a spark and a subsequent power failure on the Harbour line between Kurla and Mankhurd sections. Train services were immediately halted as a safety measure, and technical teams were rushed to the spot to remove the cloth and restore power.
Impact on Commuters
The disruption affected several trains on the Harbour line, including services to and from CSMT, Panvel, and Belapur. Commuters faced long waits at stations, and many trains were either cancelled or rescheduled. The Central Railway officials issued a helpline number for passenger assistance and advised travellers to use alternative routes.
Restoration Efforts
By 11:45 AM, the entangled cloth was removed, and power supply was gradually restored. However, residual delays continued for the next couple of hours as the railway authorities worked to normalize the schedule. No injuries were reported in the incident.
This is not the first time such an incident has occurred on the Mumbai suburban network. In the past, kites, clothes, and other objects have caused similar disruptions. The railway authorities have urged citizens to avoid flying kites or leaving loose objects near railway tracks and overhead wires.
