Mumbai Rains: Traffic Comes to a Crawl as Waterlogging Hits Roads

Mumbai experienced severe traffic disruptions on Monday due to continuous rain for the third day. The Western Express Highway, a key route, saw significant delays, especially from Goregaon to Bandra during rush hours. Waterlogged roads forced vehicles to move slowly, with visuals showing drivers navigating through heavy rain in Bandra and ankle-deep water in Sion and Gandhi Market.

Commuters faced long traffic jams in Byculla, on the Eastern Freeway, P D Mello Road, Chembur, Kurla, and Thane. In Nalasopara, streets resembled streams as vehicles waded through waterlogged lanes. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has placed Mumbai under an orange alert, predicting heavy rainfall until Tuesday.

Mumbai's Railways and Weather Forecast

The city's railway network also suffered delays. Central and Harbour Railway services were running nearly ten minutes late, adding to commuters' frustrations. The IMD forecasts moderate to heavy showers over the next 48 hours with possible very heavy spells at night. Daytime temperatures are expected to remain stable between 24°C and 27°C.

The ongoing rains have impacted air travel as well. IndiGo advised passengers to allow extra time for airport commutes due to slow-moving traffic and check flight status before leaving home. "Mumbai is still under a blanket of rain," the airline stated on its X handle. Akasa Air and Air India issued similar advisories later.

Red Alert for Surrounding Regions

Beyond Mumbai, the IMD has issued a red alert for Raigad, Ratnagiri, Satara, Kolhapur, and Pune due to anticipated extremely heavy rainfall. Authorities have urged residents in these areas to stay vigilant and avoid unnecessary travel as further intense rain could worsen waterlogging and traffic issues.

In addition to road congestion, local trains faced delays affecting office-goers' commutes. The persistent downpour caused significant inconvenience across various modes of transport in Mumbai.

As the city grapples with these challenges, authorities continue to monitor the situation closely. Residents are advised to stay informed about weather updates and plan their journeys accordingly.