Mumbai Waterlogged: Heavy Rains Disrupt Normal Life, Local Train Services Hit

Mumbai, the financial capital of India, was brought to a standstill on Monday morning as heavy rainfall led to severe waterlogging in various parts of the city. The incessant downpour, which began at 1 am and continued till 7 am, caused chaos and disruptions in the daily lives of Mumbaikars.

According to the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), Mumbai received over 300 mm of rainfall in just six hours, with some areas receiving even more. The heavy rains led to waterlogging in low-lying areas, causing traffic disruptions and flooding many parts of the city. The railway tracks were also submerged, affecting local train services.

The Central Railway (CR) reported that the heavy rains caused waterlogging, resulting in delays in rail traffic on the Mumbai suburban and Harbor lines. The affected stations included Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus, Kurla-Vikhroli, and Bhandup. Over 30 lakh commuters travel daily on the CR’s suburban network, making the disruption a significant inconvenience.

Videos showed the extent of the waterlogging, with many parts of the city underwater. The CR’s DRM Mumbai posted on social media, “Due to heavy rain in Mumbai Suburban and Harbour Line train traffic delay due to waterlogging. Effected station- CSMT- CHF-LTT.” The CPRO added, “Central Railway suburban services were affected due to heavy rains. Train services are affected at Sion and between Bhandup and Nahur stations. Rainwater was above the tracks so trains were stopped for nearly one hour, now water has receded a bit so trains are restarting but services are still affected.”

Due to the waterlogging at various railway stations, several trains were cancelled, including the 12110 (MMR-CSMT), 11010 (PUNE-CSMT), 12124 (PUNE CSMT DECCAN), 11007 (PUNE-CSMT DECCAN), and 12127 (CSMT-PUNE INTERCITY EXP).

In light of the heavy rains, citizens have been advised to remain alert, and the authorities are making relief and rescue preparations. The waterlogging poses a significant challenge for the administration, and the city’s residents are advised to take necessary precautions.

To add to the woes, many BEST buses were diverted from their regular route due to waterlogging. The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams have been deployed in various parts of Maharashtra, including Thane, Vasai, Mahad, Chiplun, Kolhapur, Sangli, Satara, Ghatkopar, Kurla, and Sindhudurg, to prevent any untoward incidents and provide timely responses in case of flood-like situations.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecasted that heavy rain will continue in Mumbai and other parts of Maharashtra for the next three days, until July 10. Moderate to heavy rainfall is expected to persist in Mumbai throughout the day on Monday.

To avoid inconvenience to students, the BMC has declared a holiday for the first session of all BMC, government, and private schools and colleges in Mumbai. The decision for the next session will be announced after reviewing the situation.

As the city struggles to cope with the aftermath of the heavy rains, residents are advised to stay safe and vigilant.

Historical Context:

Mumbai, being the financial capital of India, is prone to heavy rainfall and flooding due to its geographical location and rapid urbanization. The city’s drainage system is often overwhelmed by heavy rainfall, leading to waterlogging and traffic disruptions. This is not an uncommon occurrence in Mumbai, and the city has faced several instances of flooding and waterlogging in the past. For instance, in 2005, Mumbai experienced severe flooding due to heavy rainfall, which led to widespread damage and disruption to daily life.

In recent years, the city has taken steps to improve its drainage system and mitigate the effects of heavy rainfall. However, the city’s rapid growth and urbanization have put a strain on its infrastructure, making it challenging to cope with extreme weather events.

Summary in Bullet Points:

• Heavy rainfall in Mumbai caused severe waterlogging in various parts of the city, disrupting normal life and local train services. • The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) reported that Mumbai received over 300 mm of rainfall in just six hours, with some areas receiving even more. • The Central Railway (CR) reported delays in rail traffic on the Mumbai suburban and Harbor lines due to waterlogging, affecting over 30 lakh commuters. • Several trains were cancelled, including the 12110, 11010, 12124, 11007, and 12127. • The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams have been deployed in various parts of Maharashtra to prevent untoward incidents and provide timely responses in case of flood-like situations. • The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecasted heavy rain to continue in Mumbai and other parts of Maharashtra for the next three days, until July 10. • The BMC has declared a holiday for the first session of all BMC, government, and private schools and colleges in Mumbai to avoid inconvenience to students. • Residents are advised to stay safe and vigilant as the city struggles to cope with the aftermath of the heavy rains.