Heavy rain floods Mumbai roads, shuts subway and disrupts rail services

After a delay of nearly two weeks, the southwest monsoon finally arrived in Mumbai on Tuesday, bringing much-needed relief from heat and humidity. However, the heavy rainfall also caused widespread waterlogging, traffic snarls and disruptions to rail services across several parts of the city.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a yellow alert for Mumbai for Wednesday and warned of more rain in the coming days. Several districts in Maharashtra remain under yellow, orange and red alerts, per a report by Hindustan Times.

Waterlogging affects roads and subways

Heavy rain overnight and through Tuesday morning led to flooding in low-lying areas, making travel difficult for commuters. A subway at Everard Nagar was shut due to waterlogging, while several roads across the city witnessed traffic congestion.

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The Andheri subway was among the worst-hit locations. Speaking about the situation, BMC official Rhitik told ANI, "... We have not been able to find a temporary solution for this severe water logging... Our officers keep standing here to ensure vehicles don't pass through. But some rikshaw drivers still try to get their vehicles across... A rikshaw got stuck here in the centre of the subway. His life was in danger... Two of our officers helped bring him out..."

Another BMC official, Robert, was quoted as saying by HT, "... We are doing our best to ensure that no vehicles get inside the underpass... We are trying to protect as many people as possible..."

Rail services hit by heavy rain

The rain also disrupted suburban rail operations. Services on the Trans-Harbour Line were suspended after soil beneath the tracks eroded between Turbhe and Kopar Khairane stations, making both Up and Down lines unsafe.

Railway authorities have started restoration work and advised commuters to use alternative transport arrangements.

Rainfall and weather alerts

According to IMD data, Byculla recorded the highest rainfall at 42.5 mm, followed by Sion at 21.5 mm. Colaba received 49 mm of rain during the 24-hour period ending Tuesday morning, per HT.

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The IMD issued an orange nowcast warning for Mumbai, Thane, Palghar, Raigad and Sindhudurg, warning of moderate to intense rainfall.

“The Southwest Monsoon has further advanced into the remaining parts of the central Arabian Sea, some more parts of Maharashtra, including Mumbai, the remaining parts of Telangana and Odisha, and some more parts of Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand and Bihar. The northern limit of the monsoon passes through Dahanu, Wardha, Raipur, Daltonganj, and Motihari,” the IMD said.

FAQs:

Why were Trans-Harbour Line services suspended?

Services were halted after soil erosion beneath tracks between Turbhe and Kopar Khairane.

What weather alert has been issued for Mumbai?

The IMD has issued alerts for heavy rainfall across Mumbai and nearby districts.