The proposal comes after train services on the busy Mumbai-Pune corridor were disrupted for nearly a week earlier this month when heavy rain triggered multiple landslides in the ghat section

MUMBAI: Central Railway is planning to construct a 26-km emergency road along the Karjat-Lonavala ghat section to evacuate passengers stranded in trains during disruptions caused by landslides, rockfalls or other emergencies.The proposal comes after train services on the busy Mumbai-Pune corridor were disrupted for nearly a week earlier this month when heavy rain triggered multiple landslides in the ghat section, highlighting the lack of road access to stranded trains in remote areas.The proposed road, running alongside the railway tracks between Karjat and Lonavala, will enable buses and emergency vehicles to reach stranded trains and evacuate passengers to the nearest accessible locations.It will also facilitate the supply of drinking water, food, medicines and other relief material, while allowing ambulances and medical teams to reach passengers requiring urgent care.The July 6 landslides affected all three railway lines in the ghat section, bringing services to a halt. Central Railway restored the first line within 48 hours, allowing limited train operations under speed restrictions. The second line reopened on July 15, while restoration of the third line is still underway.According to Central Railway, restoration work is progressing rapidly. Around 50 to 60 dumpers carrying granular material are reaching the damaged slope on the UP line after repairs to a temporary forest access road.Long-arm excavators are being used to reinforce the slope, with nearly half of it restored from the bottom up.Railways are also using special material trains to transport granular material to the top of the slope, where it is being rolled down to stabilise the embankment. Officials said restoration work is continuing round the clock to reopen the remaining line while ensuring safety.