The Indian National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and the Western Naval Command rescued all 1,050 passengers stranded on the long-distance Mahalaxmi Express near Badlapur in Thane after the railway tracks were flooded following heavy rainfall. The passengers later left from Kalyan to Kolhapur on a special 19-coach train, reports News18.

Of these, the NDRF rescued 550 passengers. The Navy and the Army, Thane Corporation, fire brigade, villagers living in the vicinity and several other agencies were also involved in the rescue operations.

Officials involved in the rescue operation said the nine pregnant women and a one-month-old baby girl were also safe.

Authorities had called in the NDRF and sought help from the Navy to rescue the stranded passengers of the train, which left Mumbai for Kolhapur on Friday (Jul 26) but was unable to travel beyond Chamtoli where it was stranded since early on Saturday (Jul 27), an official said.

"Due to a raging Ulhas river, the Mahalaxmi Express train got stuck at Chamtoli within the limits of Badlapur. The passengers were safe, but the only concern was a rise in water level on the tracks," said Resident Deputy Collector (Thane) Shivaji Patil, adding that two NDRF teams were rushed to the spot. "Helicopter services and naval assistance have also been sought."

Indian Home Minister Amit Shah praised the rescue teams and said Delhi was closely monitoring the situation.

Despite waterlogged roads, tough and undulating terrain, the NDRF and the Navy teams rescued all stranded passengers and railway staff from the train.