Thiruvananthapuram: Four trains cancelled, landslip disrupts services
A major landslip in Thiruvananthapuram caused significant disruption to railway services on Monday. The incident occurred following continuous heavy rainfall in the region. Railway officials confirmed that debris had fallen onto the tracks near a hilly section. As a safety measure, four trains scheduled for the day were fully cancelled. Several other trains experienced delays and diversions due to the obstruction. Passengers at major stations like Thiruvananthapuram Central faced long waiting hours. Many commuters, especially daily travelers, expressed frustration over the sudden cancellations. Emergency response teams were immediately deployed to assess the extent of the landslip. Heavy machinery was brought in to remove the mud and rocks blocking the tracks. Officials stated that the restoration process could take several hours. The affected section of the track was cordoned off to prevent accidents. Train movement in adjacent routes was also slowed down as a precaution. Passengers were advised to follow online updates for train status. Announcements were repeatedly made at railway stations to guide stranded travelers. Additional staff were deployed to manage crowds and provide assistance. Railway authorities arranged drinking water and seating for waiting passengers. Some travelers opted for bus services as an alternative mode of transport. KSRTC buses reported a sudden rise in passenger volume due to the rail disruption. Meteorological officials said the region had received heavy rainfall for the past two days. Overflowing streams and softened soil conditions triggered the landslip. Local residents reported minor flooding in nearby low-lying areas. The district administration urged people to remain cautious during travel. Railway engineers conducted a safety inspection of nearby slopes. They warned that continuous rain could trigger additional minor slips. The maintenance crew worked in shifts to clear the debris at the earliest. Freight services were also temporarily halted on the affected track. Cargo movement was diverted through alternate railway corridors. The cancelled trains included both express and passenger categories. Passengers with reserved tickets were offered refunds or rescheduling options. Helpline numbers were issued for travel inquiries and assistance. The incident highlighted the vulnerability of rail lines in hilly terrain. Officials said preventive measures would be strengthened in the coming weeks. The railways planned to install protective nets along steep embankments. Soil reinforcement work was also expected to be taken up soon. Local authorities coordinated with disaster management teams for safety checks. Travelers appreciated the efforts of frontline workers managing the situation. Social media platforms were flooded with updates and photos from the site. Some users praised the prompt response by emergency teams. Others requested better long-term infrastructure planning. Experts noted that climate-related extreme weather events were increasing. They emphasized the need for improved slope management near rail lines. By afternoon, partial clearance of the tracks had been achieved. Railway officials estimated that normal services would resume by late evening. However, they cautioned that weather conditions could influence the timeline. Passengers were advised to check the official railway website before traveling. The railways thanked commuters for their patience during the disruption. Local news channels continued to provide live updates from the site. Authorities reassured the public that safety remained their top priority. The incident served as a reminder of the region’s monsoon-related risks. By the end of the day, clearance operations were nearing completion and services gradually stabilized.
