The trouble began at 2:35 pm on Tuesday when water started seeping into the Pernem tunnel between the Madure-Pernem section, as confirmed by Konkan Railway Corporation (KRCL) deputy general manager Baban Ghatge.
Despite initial efforts to clear the water and resume traffic by 10:13 pm on Tuesday, the relief was short-lived. By 2:59 am on Wednesday, water once again inundated the tunnel, this time with greater intensity, forcing the suspension of train services and leading to widespread chaos.
The rains, which began Tuesday afternoon, resulted in the cancellation and diversion of several trains, leaving hundreds of passengers stranded at various stations.
For three days, Goa has been battered by heavy rains, and although Wednesday morning saw a brief respite with moderate showers, the Meteorological Department’s red alert for exceptionally heavy rainfall compounded the crisis.
Trains halted and diverted
The iconic Vande Bharat Express, along with several other crucial trains, fell victim to this natural onslaught. Cancelled trains included:
Vande Bharat Express (Mumbai CSMT)
Mandovi Express (Margao to Mumbai)
Margao to Sawantwadi passenger train
Margao to Mumbai Tejas Express
Margao to Mumbai Jan Shatabdi Express
Sawantwadi-Diva Express
In addition, important trains like the Tirunelveli-Jamnagar Express, Nagarcoil-Gandhidham Express, Ernakulam-Hazrat Nizamuddin Express, and Thiruvananthapuram Central-Lokmanya Tilak Express were diverted to alternative routes.
Stranded passengers and chaos at stations
The disruptions left passengers stranded at key stations across Goa, including Margao, Canacona, Karmali, Thivim, and Pernem. Margao station witnessed particularly chaotic scenes, with hundreds of passengers stranded and no clear guidance on alternative arrangements.
Among the stranded were 200 travelers from Gujarat, including 60 senior citizens, who were left in limbo when the Goa Samparkranti Express was abruptly cancelled two hours before departure. Abdul Walekar, a member of the group, voiced the collective frustration: “There is a group of 200 people with us, of which at least 60 are senior citizens. We were told two hours in advance that the train was cancelled. What should we do now?”
The group, bound for Baroda, pleaded with KRCL officials for alternative travel arrangements. “We don’t mind waiting here at the railway station, but some arrangement should be made for our travel back. We have a big group with us. Staying back in Goa means incurring huge expenses,” another member added.
KRCL officials, led by Deputy General Manager Baban Ghatge, reassured passengers that efforts were underway to clear the track at the Pernem tunnel, but could not provide a specific timeline due to the ongoing water seepage.
Efforts to restore normalcy
“We are trying to resolve the issue as soon as possible,” PTI quoted Ghatge, highlighting the persistent challenges posed by the continuous rainfall.
As the situation develops, stranded passengers can only hope for swift resolutions to return home or continue their journeys. In the meantime, the people of Goa and those passing through its beautiful landscape must brace for more rain and the accompanying disruptions, waiting for the skies to clear and the tracks to dry.
