In a proactive move to ensure passenger safety and enhance connectivity, Ram Karan Yadav, General Manager of Central Railway, led a thorough pre-monsoon inspection of the Karjat–Lonavala section on the Pune-Mumbai route on April 19, 2024. This critical segment, characterized by 52 tunnels, towering hills reaching up to 250 meters, and sharp curves with steep gradients, plays a pivotal role in the operations of the Mumbai Division.
One of the key areas of focus during the inspection was the Monkey Hill tunnel ghat, a vital link connecting Mumbai and Pune, spanning nearly 3.5 kilometers above the hill. The inspection encompassed both track and hill regions, employing specialized inspection cars for track examination on April 18, 2024, followed by hilltop and hill slope inspections the next day.
The objective of the inspection was to assess the condition of the route, identify potential causes of rockfalls, landslides, and other hazards, and devise remedial measures to ensure the stability of the hills. Emphasizing the historical significance of the inspection, it marked one of the first instances where an official of the General Manager’s stature hiked the hill for such an evaluation. Commencing at 5:00 AM on April 19, 2024, the inspection covered critical locations from Monkey Hill Cabin to Thakurwadi, lasting until approximately 7:00 AM.
Accompanying Ram Karan Yadav during this rigorous inspection were Rajnish Goyal, Divisional Railway Manager, and other senior officers. The presence of such high-ranking officials underscores Central Railway’s unwavering commitment to passenger safety and its dedication to proactive maintenance and infrastructure development.
The inspection highlighted Central Railway’s ongoing efforts to fortify safety measures along the Pune-Mumbai route, particularly in anticipation of the monsoon season. Critical tasks such as the cleaning of existing catch water drains are nearing completion, with a focus on ensuring unimpeded water flow to prevent incidents of rockfall, landslides, and subsidence of rocks. Additionally, the construction of new catch water drains is underway, further augmenting the resilience of the railway infrastructure.
Central Railway’s proactive approach to maintenance and safety underscores its dedication to providing seamless transportation across the South East Ghat region. With these concerted efforts, Central Railway aims to ensure uninterrupted and safe travel experiences for passengers traversing the Pune-Mumbai route, reaffirming its commitment to excellence in railway operations and passenger service.
