Mumbai Metro Line 3 services resumed on May 31, 2025, following a disruption caused by heavy rainfall and flooding at the Acharya Atre Chowk station.
The station, part of the fully underground Colaba-Bandra-SEEPZ corridor, was temporarily closed on May 26 due to water seepage resulting from intense monsoon rains. The flooding incident occurred when a reinforced concrete cement (RCC) retaining wall at an entry/exit point of the station collapsed, allowing rainwater to enter from a nearby utility trench. Approximately 11 lakh litres of water inundated the station within 90 minutes, leading to the suspension of metro services on the affected stretch . In response to the incident, the Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation Ltd (MMRCL) initiated dewatering operations and conducted safety inspections to assess the structural integrity of the station. The resumption of services on May 31 followed the completion of these measures, ensuring the safety and reliability of the metro line .
To prevent future occurrences, MMRCL plans to construct a permanent protection wall at the Acharya Atre Chowk station. This wall will be designed to withstand extreme weather events and mitigate the risk of flooding during monsoon seasons . The Acharya Atre Chowk station, located in the Worli area, is a crucial part of Phase 2A of the Aqua Line and serves as a key transit point for commuters traveling between Aarey JVLR and Bandra-Kurla Complex. The resumption of services is expected to alleviate travel disruptions and restore normalcy for thousands of daily passengers. This incident underscores the challenges faced by urban infrastructure in adapting to the impacts of climate change and extreme weather events. While the underground nature of Metro Line 3 offers protection against surface-level flooding, the vulnerability of entry/exit points and utility connections highlights the need for comprehensive flood management strategies in urban planning.
As Mumbai continues to expand its metro network, ensuring the resilience of infrastructure against climate-induced disruptions will be paramount. Stakeholders must prioritize climate-resilient design, regular maintenance, and adaptive strategies to safeguard public transportation systems and ensure uninterrupted services for the city’s residents. The resumption of Metro Line 3 services marks a significant step towards restoring normalcy in Mumbai’s public transportation system. However, it also serves as a reminder of the importance of proactive measures and continuous improvement in the face of evolving environmental challenges.
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