Navi Mumbai: Thane/Airoli, May 9: Trans-Harbour line local services were disrupted throwing peak time commuter traffic in disarray on May 9.

The disruption was caused after Central Railway (CR) suspended train services after girders installed as part of the Airoli-Katai Naka elevated corridor project were found to be tilted.

“CR suspended train services on the Trans-Harbour corridor from 7:10 am,’ Dr Swapnil Nila, chief public relations officer said.

The incident followed a scheduled night block from 1:00 am to 4:00 am between Thane and Airoli for installation of the girders. The tilt was detected shortly after the block ended.

As a precautionary measure, the movement of all trains between Thane, Vashi, Panvel and Nerul were halted.

The impact on CR was severe. The suspension of services not only affected the Thane-Vashi-Panvel section but also led to cascading delays on Harbour and Main lines.

Stations like Thane, Vashi, Panvel and Nerul were flooded with stranded commuters. Several passengers had to shift to overcrowded Main Line and Harbour Line services, creating additional pressure on CR’s suburban network.

Technical teams began restoration work at 8:15 am, and services were eventually resumed by 11:30 am after the girders were stabilized and inspected for safety.

A total of 56 services—28 UP and 28 DN—on the Trans-Harbour corridor were cancelled until 10:45 am. Trains from Navi Mumbai heading toward Thane remained stalled, and services originating from Thane were also affected.

To mitigate the inconvenience, CR arranged additional bus services from 8:15 am to 10:30 am.:

Rail officials have assured that a detailed inquiry will be conducted into the matter, and steps will be taken to prevent recurrence.