Train services between Mumbai, Thane and Vashi faced a complete suspension after a bridge girder tilted dangerously near Vashi station. The sudden disruption brought the Harbour Line to a halt during peak travel hours, stranding thousands of daily commuters across major suburban stations. The incident triggered a ripple of chaos across Mumbai’s public transport network, with Thane Station witnessing the worst of the crowd build-up.
Girder Collapse Halts Harbour Line Movement
#MMRDA had taken a #block from 01.00 to 04.00 at night on the trans harbour line to launch girders between Thane and Airoli.
It has been noticed that the girders launched are tilted.
Traffic has been suspended from 07:10 hours because of this.— DRM Mumbai CR (@drmmumbaicr) May 9, 2025
According to News18, a bridge girder near Vashi tilted early in the morning, prompting an immediate suspension of services. Authorities acted swiftly to avoid any casualties by halting trains between CSMT and Panvel. The tilted girder posed a risk to rail traffic, and safety took priority. The disruption affected both inbound and outbound trains, halting a critical part of the Harbour Line.
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The railway department deployed teams to assess the structural damage and secure the area. As reported by local agencies, the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) joined the inspection to ensure public safety. Engineers are now reviewing the bridge’s design and maintenance history.
Thane Station Sees Unprecedented Crowds
The suspension of Harbour Line trains forced thousands of commuters to gather at Thane Station. Commuters flooded platforms as they sought alternate routes, leading to massive delays and overcrowding. With no clear timeline for resumption, frustration grew as autos, taxis and buses filled up quickly.
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According to local traffic reports, roads leading out of Thane witnessed a surge in congestion. Authorities tried to regulate the crowds, but the absence of real-time updates left many stranded for hours. Railway officials requested passengers to postpone non-essential travel.
Repair Work Begins, Safety Audits Underway
@RailMinIndia Main line local Trains late for 45 minutes since morning No Announcements
Harbour line Trains late No Announcements
Trans Harbour also late
How all 3 local lines delayed?
Are motormen on protest against proposed CCTV in their Cabins?
Why common people taken to task?— Ghanshyam (@ghaniahuja) May 9, 2025
Due to no trains on trans harbour line between Thane Vashi and Panvel TMT is running extra buses from Thane and Ghodbunder to Belapur and MBP.#tmt #Thane #navimumbai #transharbourline #centralrailway
— Alfred Dsouza (@AlfredDsouzaPro) May 9, 2025
@srdcmmumbaicr @ShivajiIRTS what is the issue with central railway and harbour line? No body knows what is the reason ? We request you at least inform each station what is the reason so that people can take their call. Every body body is clueless what is going on
— Abhiruchi (@Abhiruc79827734) May 9, 2025
Railway officials have begun repair and stabilisation work on the tilted girder. They have launched a safety audit of similar bridge structures across the Harbour Line. As reported by multiple agencies, the structural failure may have stemmed from metal fatigue or undetected flaws in earlier inspections. A few Netizens took to X to share their grievances about the delay.
Until the repairs are complete, the Mumbai–Thane–Vashi route will remain non-operational. Authorities are expected to issue an official update once conditions are safe for train movement.
Cover Image Courtesy: Siddhi Tendulkar & Canva Pro