Torrential rains continue to lash Mumbai

Mumbai, Aug 6 (UNI) Torrential rains accompanied by sporadic gusty winds, since last evening had paralysed train services and also created long traffic clogs in several parts of the suburbs.

The Meterological department has predicted more rains and thunder showers in parts of the city. While heavy rains accomapined by strong winds are expected to hit parts of the suburbs in the next 24 hours.

Meanwhile, Santacruz and Colaba recorded 115.2 mm and 75.0 mm of rainfall respectively from 0830 hrs to 1130 hrs today.

The Met department has issued a 'Port' warning to fisherman in the Konkan belt, as heavy rains are expected to hit parts of the region in the next 24 hopurs.

A K Singh, Public Relations Officer (PRO) Central Railways told UNI that trains on the routes were grounded between 1015 hours to 1235 hours as a result of severe water logging at Sion, Kurla Chunabatti, Vadala and Masjid Bunder railways stations. Howeever, he said services have been restored with trains running 15 miuntes behind schedule. Long distance trains have not been affected, he said.

Bhagwat Dahisarkar, Western Railway Public Relations Officer (PRO) said that trains on the lines were running behind schedule by 20 minutes. But added that between 1300 hrs and 1400 hrs there was water logging on the slow tracks at Matunga railway, which has begun receding.

Harbour lines from Chatrapati Shivaji Terminus (CST) has also been restored, after it was grounded in the morning as a result of poor visibility and waterlogging particularly at Mahim, Sewri and Vadala railway stations.

However, all long distance trains continue to be on schedule barring a few delays.

The city fire control has reported receiving complaints of tree uprooting from several parts of the city and its suburbs as early as last evening. Fire control sources stated unvailability of any data on the number of tree uprooting incidents.

Traffic has also been thrown out of gear in areas such as King Circle, Mahim, Wadala, Sion and Kurla, which have been declared worst affected by the Traffic department, said Traffic control room official.

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