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Two trains submerged outside Bombay, navy help summoned

Heavy rains disrupted the Central Railway line, bringing two trains -- Konark Express and Kashinagar Express -- to a standstill for nearly 12 hours today.

The situation was so bad that the help of the Western Naval Command was sought by the railways, and a 15-member team was summoned to evacuate people stranded at Ambarnath and Kasara.

"The two trains were almost submerged under the flood waters. The naval team is carrying medical aid with them and fortunately nobody is hurt," said an official of Indian navy.

"A helicopter was summoned along with the medical team to rescue those trapped at Manor village in Thane district. Due to the adverse weather conditions the helicopter, however, could not land in the affected areas," the official added.

The suburban railway lines were badly affected in the downpour, and trains were virtually not plying from this afternoon between Ghatkopar and Thane on the Central line.

However, the parallel Western Railway was functioning almost normally despite the heavy rains since Wednesday night.

"The water has clogged the tracks and there is no way the trains can move until the water recedes," said a Central Railway spokesperson.

Meanwhile, district collector Shrikant Singh has sought help from the army, and has requested them to be prepared as their assistance might be needed any time.

A helicopter along with food packets and a medical team left for Surat which is also submerged under water, the sources added.

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