Landslide blocks Haridwar-Dehradun rail route, trains including Vande Bharat suspended

HARIDWAR : A landslide struck the Mansa Devi hills near Har Ki Pauri on Monday, obstructing the Haridwar-Dehradun rail route, an official said. Boulders from Mansa Devi hill fell onto the railway track in Bhimgoda near Kali temple, blocking the Haridwar-Dehradun-Rishikesh railway route, said Government Railway Police (GRP) Superintendent Aruna Bharti. The track near Bhimgoda railway tunnel was completely closed due to debris, affecting more than a dozen trains, including the Vande Bharat Express, she added. A Shiva temple near the railway track also collapsed under the landslide's impact, said Circle Officer Swapnil Suyal. The Mansa Devi hills have been cracking again due to heavy rains. A similar landslide occurred at the same spot days ago. Despite a large iron net installed between the hill and track, large stones broke through and fell onto the rails. Railway teams have arrived and started debris clearance, expected to take 8-10 hours. Train movement on the route remains suspended. Damaged nets are being cut using gas cutters, while stones are removed with JCB machinery.