Daijiworld Media Network – Mumbai
Mumbai, Feb 10: Rail traffic on the Konkan Railway route was disrupted for nearly three hours on Monday afternoon after the CSMT–Madgaon Vande Bharat Express hit a herd of four buffaloes on the tracks between Sindhudurg and Kudal stations.
The incident caused damage to the overhead electrification (OHE) system, leading to suspension of train movement on the busy route and severe inconvenience to passengers, including devotees travelling to Konkan for the Bharadi Devi Yatra.
According to railway officials, the Vande Bharat Express, which departed Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) at around 5.30 am, encountered a herd of buffaloes near Oros station at about 11.30 am.
Despite the locopilot sounding the horn repeatedly, the animals remained on the tracks, and the train hit them. One of the buffaloes struck an OHE pole, causing it to bend and the overhead wire to fall onto the tracks.
“All four buffaloes died in the accident, and the overhead wire system was damaged,” officials said.
Following the incident, officers and staff of the Konkan Railway rushed to the spot. The power supply to the OHE was immediately shut down, and emergency blocks were imposed to facilitate repair work.
“The buffaloes were removed from the tracks, the bent pole was restored, and the overhead wire was reinstalled. Power supply was resumed after necessary checks,” said Sunil Narkar, Chief Public Relations Officer of Konkan Railway.
After inspection of the tracks, OHE and pole, the route was declared safe for train operations at around 3 pm, he added.
Passengers, however, expressed displeasure over the lack of timely communication from Konkan Railway on social media platforms.
“If official updates had been shared promptly, passengers could have made alternative arrangements. Many were inconvenienced due to the absence of timely information,” said Akshay Mahapadi of Konkan Vikas Samiti.
Due to the disruption, several trains on the route were delayed. The Madgaon–CSMT Mandovi Express was delayed by nearly three and a half hours.
Other affected trains included the Vande Bharat Express, Rajdhani Express, Mandovi, Marusagar Express, CSMT–Janshatabdi, LTT Duronto Express, and services towards Mangaluru, railway sources said.