Archive · 30 Aug 2026
Central Railway Tests Vetiver Grass Against Mumbai-Pune Ghat Landslides
Heavy monsoon rain caused several landslides along the railway route between Mumbai and Pune.
The landslides damaged or blocked railway lines and interrupted train services.
One landslide happened near Thakurwadi, and another occurred near Monkey Hill.
A later landslide and fallen tree near Khandala touched electric wires and caused sparking and a fire.
Central Railway is now planting Vetiver grass on parts of the slopes.
This grass has long, dense roots that can hold soil together.
It may also slow down water flowing over the ground.
Railway officials hope it will work alongside regular engineering solutions to make the route safer during future monsoons.
Landslides on July 6 disrupted all three railway lines in the Karjat-Lonavala ghat section.
Train cancellations, diversions and regulation continued while restoration work lasted nearly 20 days.
Central Railway is testing Vetiver grass as a nature-based method to stabilise vulnerable slopes.
The pilot covers 5,300 square metres across the Khandala-Monkey Hill and Thakurwadi-Palasdhari areas.
Officials expect the grass to complement engineering measures and reduce monsoon risks to train operations.
- Who
- Central Railway is testing the measure.
- What
- Vetiver grass is being planted to help stabilise slopes and reduce landslide risks.
- When
- The landslides occurred on July 6; the grass plantation began after the disruptions.
- Where
- The project covers sections near Khandala, Monkey Hill, Thakurwadi, and Palasdhari in the Mumbai-Pune ghat route.
- Why
- To help bind soil, reduce surface runoff, complement engineering measures, and protect train operations during monsoon rains.
- Affected route
- Karjat-Lonavala ghat section on the Mumbai-Pune railway route
- Landslide date
- July 6
- Service disruption
- Restoration work continued for nearly 20 days
- Total plantation area
- 5,300 square metres
- Khandala-Monkey Hill pilot
- 1,050 square metres
- Thakurwadi-Palasdhari pilot
- 4,250 square metres
- Proposed benefit
- Vetiver roots may bind soil and reduce surface runoff