Technical Glitch Near Diva Station Delays Mumbai-Goa Vande Bharat Express by 87 Minutes
On Monday morning, a technical issue near Diva station caused significant delays for the Mumbai-Goa Vande Bharat Express. This premium train, part of India’s semi-high-speed rail system, was delayed by 87 minutes. The incident also disrupted suburban train services in the area. The express train had to take an alternate route through Kalyan to continue its journey to Goa.
Train Departure and Initial Delay
The Mumbai-Goa Vande Bharat Express usually departs from Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) in Mumbai at 5:25 am. On this day, it left just four minutes late, at 5:29 am. However, shortly after passing Thane station, the train encountered a serious issue.
At Point 103 in Diva, a malfunction disrupted the connection between the Down Through line and the 5th line. This technical failure caused the train to be held up from 6:10 am until 6:45 am. A significant delay was inevitable.
Details of the Technical Issue
Central Railway officials confirmed the glitch. They reported that the malfunction at Diva station created a cascading effect on the entire rail service. The Vande Bharat Express, known for its speed, needed to be diverted to reduce delays and continue its journey to Goa.
Route Diversion and Further Delays
In response to the situation, railway authorities redirected the Vande Bharat Express via Kalyan. This diversion involved taking an alternate route that led the train through Kalyan to Panvel, rather than its usual direct path.
As a result of this change, additional delays occurred. The train had to reverse its direction between Thane and Diva, using the 6th line to navigate its way towards Kalyan. Initially halted at Diva for around 35 minutes, the train finally reached Kalyan’s Platform 6 at 7:04 am. This arrival was nearly an hour behind the scheduled time.
After a brief stop at Kalyan, the Vande Bharat Express began its journey again at 7:13 am, traveling along the Diva-Panvel line toward Madgaon in Goa.
About the Vande Bharat Express
The Mumbai-Goa (Madgaon) Vande Bharat Express is among the premium trains in the Indian Railway system. It offers a faster and more comfortable connection between the financial hub of Mumbai and the tourist haven of Goa. Under normal operating conditions, the journey takes approximately 7 hours and 45 minutes, with eight stops at important stations like Dadar, Thane, Panvel, Khed, Ratnagiri, Kankavali, and Thivim.
This semi-high-speed train operates six days a week, excluding Fridays. It provides a modern travel experience, equipped with comfortable seating, onboard catering, and Wi-Fi. It is favored by both regular commuters and tourists for its efficiency.
Impact of the Delay on Passengers
Despite the diversion, the Vande Bharat Express continued toward Goa with a significant delay. This situation could affect the travel plans of passengers on board. While technical issues and operational disruptions can happen in any complex rail network, this incident highlighted the ongoing challenges faced by the railway authorities in maintaining the punctuality of high-speed services.
The delay also had repercussions for local suburban train services. Tracks around Diva were temporarily blocked, disrupting the morning rush hour commute. Commuters on the Kalyan-Vashi route and other local services were advised to plan their travels more carefully.
Investigation and Safety Measures
Following the incident, railway officials initiated a thorough investigation to pinpoint the exact cause of the technical failure. Early assessments indicated that the problem originated in the rail switch mechanism connecting the different lines at Diva station. Further evaluations are necessary to confirm the details of the malfunction.
Safety protocols will be intensified to prevent future occurrences. Ensuring the smooth operation of the Vande Bharat Express and other trains is a priority for the railway administration.
Future of the Vande Bharat Express Services
As Indian Railways continues expanding its fleet of Vande Bharat Express trains, maintaining high operational standards is vital. Despite the occasional delays, the Vande Bharat Express service has become increasingly popular for its speed and comfort. Temporary disruptions like this incident can frustrate passengers, but railway authorities are likely to use it as a learning opportunity to enhance their systems and operations.
The Mumbai-Goa Vande Bharat Express is expected to resume its regular schedule following the incident. Passengers will be updated on any further changes