Central Railway has started testing Vetiver grass to stabilise vulnerable slopes in the Mumbai-Pune ghat section after landslides disrupted train services on July 6. The pilot covers 5,300 sqm across Khandala-Monkey Hill and Thakurwadi-Palasdhari stretches. Officials said the grass’s deep roots can help bind soil, reduce runoff and lower monsoon-related risks.

Central Railway Tests Vetiver Grass To Prevent Landslides In Mumbai-Pune Ghat Section After Monsoon Disruptions |

Mumbai: After multiple landslides disrupted train operations in the Mumbai-Pune ghat section during heavy monsoon rains on July 6, Central Railway has begun testing Vetiver grass as a nature-based solution to stabilise vulnerable slopes.

July Landslides Disrupt Mumbai-Pune Train Services For Nearly 20 Days

A major landslide near Thakurwadi at around 2 am on July 6 affected all three railway lines in the Karjat-Lonavala ghat section. Another landslide near Monkey Hill at around 3.05 am disrupted the Mumbai-Pune route, leading to cancellations, diversions and regulation of several trains, with restoration work continuing for nearly 20 days. Later that morning, a landslide and fallen tree near Khandala came into contact with overhead electric wires, triggering sparking and a tree fire.

Against this backdrop, Central Railway has undertaken Vetiver grass plantation across 5,300 sqm in the South-East Ghat section. The grass, known for its deep and dense root system, is expected to bind soil, reduce surface runoff and help prevent shallow slope failures.

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The pilot covers 1,050 sqm near the Khandala-Monkey Hill section and 4,250 sqm between Thakurwadi Cabin and Palasdhari. Railway officials hope the nature-based intervention will complement conventional engineering measures and reduce monsoon-related risks to train operations.

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