Author: Namrata Patil
Updated on: Mar 07, 2025 | 8:20 p.m.
PUNE: Train services between Pune and Mumbai were severely affected on Friday after a goods train derailed twice in Miraj, Sangli. The incident halted rail traffic for two hours, causing inconvenience to hundreds of passengers traveling between Pune, Mumbai, and other destinations.
What Exactly Happened?
The derailment occurred near the Good Shed at Miraj Railway Station around 3:30 p.m. when an empty goods train box jumped off the tracks. The incident triggered an alert signal across the railway network, prompting immediate action from railway officials and the Railway Protection Force (RPF).
According to sources, the affected train was en route from Hubli to Pune when its wheels derailed near Miraj station. This led to an immediate suspension of rail movement along this section, delaying both incoming and outgoing trains to Pune and Mumbai.
Adding to the passengers’ frustration, this was the second such derailment in two days. A similar incident had occurred just a day before, raising concerns about railway maintenance and safety on this route.
Passengers Face Travel Chaos
The two-hour delay caused significant distress among passengers who were either waiting for their trains or were stranded mid-journey. Many travelers, especially office-goers and students commuting between Pune, Mumbai, and Kolhapur, were left frustrated due to the unexpected disruption.
“I had an urgent meeting in Pune, but now I am stuck here in Miraj with no clear information on when my train will depart. These railway mishaps are happening too frequently,” said Ashok Jadhav, a businessman traveling from Kolhapur to Pune.
Another commuter, Neha Joshi, who was traveling from Sangli to Mumbai, expressed her disappointment, stating, “This is the second time in two days that a train has derailed here. Railways should take strict measures to avoid such disruptions. Passengers are suffering because of poor maintenance.”
Railway Officials Respond
The railway administration, along with technical staff and engineers, rushed to the spot immediately after the incident to assess the damage and restore operations. According to officials, the derailed coaches were removed from the tracks using cranes and other heavy machinery, allowing normal train movement to resume by 5:30 p.m.
“The issue was resolved within two hours, and we have resumed train services. We are investigating the reason behind the derailment and will take necessary measures to prevent future occurrences,” said a senior railway official from the Miraj Division.
Impact on Train Services
Several trains running between Pune, Mumbai, and Kolhapur faced delays due to the incident. Some of the affected trains included:
- Pune-Miraj Express – Delayed by 2 hours
- Mumbai-Kolhapur Mahalaxmi Express – Delayed by 1.5 hours
- Sahyadri Express (Pune-Kolhapur) – Delayed by 1 hour
- Miraj-Pune Passenger Train – Temporarily halted
Passengers at Pune, Mumbai, and Miraj stations were seen seeking updates from railway authorities regarding revised schedules. Many were forced to adjust their travel plans or opt for alternate transportation like buses.
Repeated Incidents Raise Safety Concerns
The fact that this was the second derailment in two days has raised serious concerns about railway infrastructure and safety measures. Experts believe that poor track maintenance and heavy freight movement may have contributed to the repeated mishaps.
A retired railway engineer, Dinesh Kulkarni, commented, “Such derailments indicate underlying issues in track maintenance. Railways need to conduct regular inspections and ensure that such problems are addressed before they cause major accidents.”
Need for Urgent Action
With increasing passenger complaints and concerns, railway authorities must take immediate corrective actions to prevent similar incidents in the future. Passengers are demanding better communication, quicker response times, and improved safety measures on the Pune-Mumbai railway route.
For now, normal train operations have resumed, but the railway department is expected to conduct a detailed inquiry into the cause of the derailments and implement measures to enhance safety and reliability.
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