Mumbai is grappling with severe waterlogging and disrupted train services following an overnight deluge that has thrown the city into chaos. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecasted continued heavy rainfall in Mumbai and other parts of Maharashtra for the next three days, with thunderstorms likely to persist into the night.
The relentless downpour, which began on Sunday, has caused significant disruptions. Local train services between Khadavli and Titwala in the Kalyan-Kasara section were halted after a tree fell on the tracks due to thunderstorms and heavy rain. Additionally, soil erosion on tracks between Atgaon and Thansit stations, and another tree fall at Vashind station, compounded the disruption on one of Mumbai’s busiest rail routes. Officials anticipate that train services on these routes will resume from Monday. The Central Railway suburban services have also been severely affected, with waterlogging reported at various stations and tracks. A statement from the Central Railway Public Relations Officer (CRPO) indicated that train services were particularly impacted at Sion and between Bhandup and Nahur stations. “Train services were halted for nearly an hour due to water levels above the tracks. While the water has receded slightly, services remain affected,” the CRPO noted.
Mumbai’s local weather department reported that heavy rain continued into the early hours of Monday, particularly in the Dindoshi area, resulting in widespread waterlogging. The IMD has issued a warning of continued heavy rain across Maharashtra, particularly in the Madhya Maharashtra and Marathwada regions, from July 8 to July 10, 2024. The incessant rain has prompted many Mumbai residents to share images and videos of the waterlogged streets and intense thunderstorms on social media. “50mm of rain in one hour, along with unusual thunder and lightning in South Mumbai. Waterlogging is imminent in low-lying areas, luckily it occurred post-midnight,” a user commented on X.
Twitter users highlighted the rarity of such thunderstorms and lightning during Mumbai’s peak monsoon season, especially in July. One of the hardest-hit areas is Thane, which has been experiencing continuous heavy rain since Saturday. The downpour has submerged houses and bridges in the Shahpur area, prompting the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) to conduct rescue operations for residents trapped in flooded localities. As Mumbai braces for more rainfall in the coming days, the city’s infrastructure continues to be tested by the annual monsoon’s relentless onslaught. The authorities are on high alert, with efforts underway to mitigate the impact on transportation and ensure the safety of the populace.
