A massive landslide occurred in the early hours of Monday from the Mansa Devi hills in Haridwar, Uttarakhand, disrupting the Haridwar-Dehradun-Rishikesh railway line. The movement of over a dozen trains, including Vande Bharat, came to a halt due to debris falling on the tracks. A Shiva temple was also damaged due to the rain.
Uttarakhand News: A massive landslide took place from the Mansa Devi hills in Haridwar in the early hours of Monday, halting traffic on the Haridwar-Dehradun-Rishikesh railway line. The incident occurred near the Bheem Goga railway tunnel close to Har Ki Pauri, where debris rapidly cascaded onto the tracks. Consequently, more than a dozen trains, including Vande Bharat, were affected. Due to continuous rainfall, a Shiva temple located near the railway track was also destroyed. A few days prior, landslides at the same location had also disrupted rail traffic.
Rail Route Disrupted By Heavy Landslide
The landslide from the Mansa Devi hills in Haridwar has obstructed the Haridwar-Dehradun-Rishikesh railway line. The operation of over a dozen trains, including Vande Bharat, had to be suspended, causing inconvenience to passengers.
The continuous rain has further worsened the situation. Rail traffic has been completely disrupted due to the falling of debris and heavy stones onto the tracks.
Safety Net Also Failed To Stop The Stones
The railways had installed a b iron net between the hill and the track to ensure the safety of the tracks. However, the massive volume of fallen stones broke through the net and landed on the tracks.
This has raised questions about the robustness of the railway's arrangements. Local residents state that landslides are occurring repeatedly in this area, but a permanent solution has not yet been found.
Teams Engaged In Debris Removal
Upon receiving information about the landslide, teams from the railway department and administration reached the spot. The damaged net was cut using a gas cutter, and the work of removing debris began with the help of JCB machines.
Officials stated that the restoration work might take time due to the heavy debris and rocks. Currently, efforts are focused on resuming rail operations as soon as possible.
Officials Provide Information
Aruna Bharti, Superintendent of Police of GRP, informed that the operation of all trains has been stopped and partial restoration is expected by evening. The safety of passengers is being given the highest priority.
Swapnil Suyal, Circle Officer of Police, reported that a Shiva temple located near the track was demolished in the landslide. He added that the situation is being continuously monitored.
