India, Aug. 21 -- The rampant construction of buildings and encroachment on salt pan lands in Vasai East as well as encroachment on mangroves and waterholes in Nalasopara and Virar led to rainwater and water stored in the Pelhar dam to flow onto the rail lines. A Western Railway (WR) spokesperson stated this as the reason for the severe water logging on the 1.5-km stretch of rail track in Vasai, which led to a disruption in train services on the Virar-Churchgate route. The disruptions on Tuesday and the first half of Wednesday led to the cancellation of many services and delayed operations.

"The water from the local check dam flowed straight through the city area on to the rail lines," said a senior WR official. "In the past, there were ...