Heavy Rains Disrupt Life in Mumbai: Local Trains Halted and Flights Diverted Amid Red Alert

Heavy rainfall returned to Mumbai on Wednesday, causing significant disruptions. Low-lying areas were flooded, local trains halted, and 14 incoming flights were diverted. Roads turned into rivers as over 100 mm of rain fell in just five hours. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) upgraded its alert for Mumbai and nearby districts to red, effective until 8:30 am Thursday. Schools and colleges will remain closed, as ordered by civic officials.

According to the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), the island city received 87.79 mm of rain, while the eastern and western suburbs recorded 167.48 mm and 95.57 mm respectively between 5 pm and 10 pm. Mankhurd in the eastern suburbs saw the highest rainfall at 276 mm, followed by Bhandup with 275 mm and Powai with 274 mm. In the island city, Sewri Koliwada and Wadala experienced over 145 mm of rain, while the western suburbs recorded a maximum of 190 mm.

Impact on Transportation

The Central Railways chief spokesperson reported waterlogging between Vidyavihar and Mulund on both UP and DOWN slow lines, as well as on DOWN lines between Bhandup and Nahur. A speed restriction of 30 kmph was imposed between Kanjurmarg and Vikhroli stations. Despite the heavy rains, Western Railway stated that its suburban trains were operating normally.

Commuters faced severe delays; one passenger noted that a slow train took an hour to travel from Kurla to Ghatkopar, with overcrowding making it difficult to breathe. Another passenger reported being stuck at Kurla for two hours. Ghatkopar railway station, which also serves as a Mumbai Metro hub, saw massive crowds.

A user on X platform warned of a potential stampede at Ghatkopar Metro station due to overcrowding: "Ghatkopar Metro station right now. There's a chance of stampede as there's too much crowd. Avoid taking any mode of public transport right now...." Central Railway urged stranded passengers to stay inside trains and avoid stepping onto tracks.

Traffic Disruptions

Traffic jams were prevalent on Lal Bahadur Shastri Marg in Kurla and Ghatkopar, especially near Sahara Hotel, Kurla Depot, Phoenix Mall Road, Kalpana cinema, and Kalina Air India road. Many vehicles, particularly two-wheelers, broke down due to waterlogging.

With the IMD issuing a red alert for Mumbai, civic commissioner Bhushan Gagrani instructed all assistant commissioners to ensure executive engineers remain in ward control rooms. Chief engineers from the Stormwater Drains department were directed to keep staff on the field and de-watering pumps operational. Mumbai police advised residents to stay indoors if possible.

Weather Forecast

IMD scientist Sushma Nair explained that a trough extends from north Konkan to south Bangladesh across a cyclonic circulation over south Chhattisgarh. This system is expected to cause widespread light to moderate rainfall over Konkan and Goa during the week.

The recent heavy rains have highlighted the need for improved infrastructure in Mumbai to handle such weather events more effectively in the future.