Firecrackers suspected of burning cable near Virar, Nalasopara; Western Railway locals run 15 minutes late

Western Railway's suburban local services were disrupted this morning, slowing trains. An underground cable burnt between Virar and Nalasopara railway stations, causing a technical fault in the signal system.

According to preliminary information, firecrackers burst during the night are suspected of having burnt the cable. This remains only a suspicion; it has not been confirmed as the definite cause. The fault has affected Western Railway's local services, and trains are running about 15 minutes late.

With services disrupted during the morning rush, thousands of commuters heading to work are facing difficulty. People have had to wait for trains at stations.

Meanwhile, the railway administration is repairing the underground cable and the signal system on a war footing. Efforts are on to restore normal rail traffic.