Mumbai-Ahmedabad Train Traffic Disrupted as Narmada River Crosses Danger Mark in Gujarat
In a recent turn of events, the tranquility of the Mumbai-Ahmedabad train route has been disrupted as the mighty Narmada River surged beyond its danger mark in the state of Gujarat. For nearly 11 hours, train services between Bharuch and Ankleshwar stations have been halted due to the swelling waters of the Narmada River, causing inconvenience to travelers and impacting daily life in the region. In this blog post, we will delve into the details of the situation, its causes, and the response from authorities.
The Narmada River: A Lifeline and a Potential Threat
The Narmada River, often revered as the lifeline of Gujarat, plays a pivotal role in the state’s ecosystem and livelihoods of the people living along its banks. Its waters are harnessed for agriculture, industrial purposes, and as a source of drinking water. However, nature’s blessings can quickly turn into a curse when the river crosses its danger mark.
The Incident:
The trouble began on a Sunday night when, at approximately 11:50 pm, the Narmada River’s water levels surged above the danger mark at brigade no. 502, located between Bharuch and Ankleshwar stations. This sudden rise in water levels forced the Western Railway to halt all train traffic on the Mumbai-Ahmedabad route in the Vadodara division.
As of Monday, the water level remained above the danger mark, although it had begun to recede. Passengers on stranded trains were not left in the lurch; arrangements were made to provide them with refreshments, tea, and water during the delay.
Impacted Train Services:
The disruption in train services has not been limited to a few. At least one-and-a-half dozen trains, including prominent ones like the Mumbai-Ahmedabad Tejas Express and Shatabdi Express, had to be canceled due to the flooding. This has undoubtedly inconvenienced countless passengers and disrupted their travel plans.
Heavy Rainfall and Flooding:
The primary cause behind this alarming rise in the Narmada River’s water levels can be attributed to heavy rainfall that lashed many parts of Gujarat on the preceding Sunday. The relentless downpour resulted in the flooding of low-lying areas and the isolation of several villages. Narmada, along with other rivers, was in full spate, posing a significant threat to the region.
NDRF’s Evacuation Efforts:
The situation became even more critical when the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) stepped in. On the same Sunday, NDRF teams swung into action and evacuated approximately 206 villagers from areas affected by the release of excess water from the Sardar Sarovar Dam in Gujarat’s Narmada district. Among those evacuated were 18 infants, 15 children, 61 women, and 112 men from three villages, including Gabhana, Akteswar, and Sanjroli.
Relief Camps in Bharuch District:
As the Narmada River continued to swell, the district administration in Bharuch took swift action. Approximately 2000 people were moved to relief camps as the rising waters inundated low-lying areas of the district. A significant concern was the water level near the Golden Bridge in Gujarat’s Bharuch district, which reached a staggering 37 feet—nearly 9 feet above the danger mark.
The situation along the Mumbai-Ahmedabad train route serves as a stark reminder of the power of nature and the importance of timely disaster response measures. While the disruption in train services inconveniences many, the prompt action taken by the authorities to evacuate and provide relief to affected communities is commendable.
As we keep a close eye on the developments in Gujarat, our thoughts are with the residents of the region who are grappling with the challenges brought by the swelling Narmada River. It is a testament to human resilience and the ability to come together in times of crisis that we can find hope even in the face of adversity. We hope for a swift return to normalcy and safety for all those affected by this natural calamity.