Train services continued to face massive disruptions on the East Coast Main Line caused by damaged power lines, inconveniencing thousands of commuters, as the overhead power lines continued to create problems between Stevenage and Hitchin routes.

On Monday, power lines between London and Peterborough were damaged, leaving many commuters stranded during the rush hour due to lack of transport facilities. Services into and out of Kings Cross were severely delayed or cancelled after the damage occurred at Hitchin on the line that links London with Edinburgh.

Train services disruptions are likely to continue in the coming days what with the Boxing Day strike announced by the Aslef union.

National Rail said at least 14 “droppers”, that are part of the overhead power line, have been broken and contact wires damaged, causing further damage to passing trains.

East Coast rail authorities say that the problem is being tackled with, but it may continue through the day, with no guarantee that they would be fully fixed by the end of the day. Replacement buses between Stevenage, Welwyn Garden City and further north have been arranged for in between routes where the train services have been limited or cancelled.

Journeys between London Kings Cross and Peterborough may be delayed by up to three hours as engineers work to try to repair the power lines. East Coast announced reduced services between Letchworth Garden City and Cambridge.

Between Stevenage and Hitchin and Letchworth Garden City passengers were urged to use buses. Buses also ran between Stevenage and Luton Airport Parkway and also between Hatfield and St Albans (to connect with First Capital Connect Thameslink trains).

Restrictions on tickets have been lifted to allow commuters to delay their trip or switch to other operators where possible as an emergency measure to try and help passengers get to their destinations. Passengers who can postpone their journeys have been advised to stay back in London.