Konkan Railway Cancels Trains as Pernem Tunnel Leaks

Passengers faced major travel disruptions today on the Konkan Railway route as a recurring water leak plagued the Pernem tunnel in Goa. The leak, which began yesterday afternoon, reemerged with greater intensity early this morning, forcing the cancellation and diversion of numerous trains.

Heavy monsoon rains in the region are suspected to be the cause of the water ingress into the tunnel. The Konkan Railway Corporation (KRCL) initially managed to clear the blockage and resume services by late Tuesday night. However, the leak reappeared at around 3 am on Wednesday, causing significant disruption to the busy railway route.

Several prominent trains, including the highly anticipated Mumbai CSMT-Madgaon Jn. Vande Bharat Express and the Janshatabdi Express on the same route, were cancelled today due to the closure of the tunnel. Other trains faced diversions or partial cancellations, leaving passengers stranded at various stations.

The Indian Meteorological Department has issued a red alert for Goa, predicting exceptionally heavy rainfall throughout the day. This has further complicated efforts by KRCL to permanently address the leak and restore normal train operations.

While the exact timeline for repairs remains unclear, KRCL officials are urging passengers to check the latest train information online or contact railway enquiry before embarking on their journeys. Passengers who have already booked tickets on cancelled trains are likely to be eligible for full refunds.

This incident highlights the vulnerability of Konkan Railway infrastructure to extreme weather events. The KRCL will need to take swift action to ensure the structural integrity of the tunnels and implement measures to prevent similar disruptions in the future.