Mahalaxmi Express stranded in floods: Visuals show train's plight, NDRF rescues hundreds

After close to 700 passengers were stranded in Badlapur, Thane district owing waterlogging caused by heavy rains in Mumbai, several rescue efforts are going on. Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis has instructed the Chief Secretary to personally monitor rescue operations at Vangani where people are stranded in the Mahalaxmi Express.

Four teams of NDRF have reached and they are evacuating passengers with the help of eight boats. Seven navy teams, two helicopters of Indian Air Force, 2 Military columns have been deployed along with the local administration.Two more military columns are on the way. The CMO has said that the situation is under control. 

READ | Mumbai Rains: Mahalaxmi Express With 2,000 Passengers Stranded Between Badlapur & Vangani; NDRF Teams Arrive On Location

Union Minister of State for Home Affairs Nityanand Rai spoke to CM Devendra Fadnavis and assured all assistance from the Centre.  So far at least 500 people have been rescued by the NDRF which includes nine pregnant women. 

The rescue teams have also deployed ambulances with 37 doctors including gynaecologistsfor emergency. Necessary arrangements like food, etc has been made at Sahyadri Mangal Karayalay. Fourteen buses,three tempos have been arranged for further movement.

The Maharashtra chief minister has appealed to the citizens stranded in Mahalaxmi Express to not worry and ensured that all measures and rescue operations are taken care of roping in all expert teams from NDRF, Army, Navy, Local administration, Police, Railway Ministry.

The Maharashtra government has written to NDRF, Air Command, Navy, Air Force and Military requesting rescue operation for over 115 persons stranded at Kamba Petrol Pump and Riverwing Resort, in Thane.

More visuals from the scene of flooding:

READ | Mumbai Rains: Here's Anand Mahindra's Tongue-in-cheek Idea For 'future Modes Of Transport' Amid The Torrential Weather In City