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New Delhi : The Central Forces successfully evacuated nearly 900 persons from Mahalaxmi Express stranded in flood in Maharashtra. Mahalaxmi Express, which runs between Mumbai and Kolhapur, was held up between Badlapur and Wangani railway stations due to waterlogging on tracks with nearly 900 passengers and staff since July 27, 2019, morning.
On getting the information about this incident around 8.50 am, Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) immediately deputed 2 teams each of National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) from Mumbai and Pune along with 9 boats and other necessary rescue equipment and NDRF teams reached the spot at about 9.40 hrs. At the same time on the request of MHA, Ministry of Defence (MoD) immediately deployed Navy and Airforce teams for the rescue operation.
The naval teams reached the site with specialist divers. Two Mi-17 Indian Air Force Helicopters were also pressed into service to assist in rescue operation. Two columns of Army along with 130 trained staff, food packages, water and rescue material were also deployed.
Ministry of Railway also mobilised all necessary resources including a relief train and also provided medical assistance and refreshment to passengers.
In spite of fully waterlogged roads, tough and undulating terrain, NDRF and Navy teams evacuated all the stranded passengers and railway staff safely from the train.
The situation was closely monitored by Union Home Minister Amit Shah. Shah and MoS for Home Nityanand Rai complimented the efforts of MHA, NDRF, MoD and other agencies in successfully rescuing all the passengers in the shortest possible time.
Further arrangement for a special 19-coach train was made by the Indian Railways for movement of passengers up to Kolhapur, according to a PIB release.