Mumbai: In an unusual and captivating sight, multiple catfish were observed swimming on the flooded tracks of Mumbai’s local railway system. Captured on video and quickly going viral, this rare occurrence added an unexpected twist to the city’s monsoon season.
The incident coincided with the Indian Meteorological Department’s (IMD) forecast of moderate rainfall for the city, which led to widespread waterlogging and disruption of local train services. The viral video has intrigued many, showing the catfish navigating the submerged tracks. “These are catfish, and during the monsoon, they often emerge from canals and other water bodies,” explained one social media user. The heavy rains have significantly impacted Mumbai’s infrastructure, including its vital railway network. Commuters were surprised and amused by the fish swimming along the tracks, turning their usual commute into an extraordinary experience. The IMD’s forecast of moderate rainfall resulted in significant waterlogging in several areas of Mumbai, including its crucial railway tracks. This flooding caused substantial delays and disruptions in local train services, affecting thousands of daily commuters. The sight of catfish swimming on railway tracks, however, brought a moment of levity amid the chaos, highlighting the city’s unique ability to find humour in adversity.
The phenomenon has also raised questions about the city’s drainage system and its capacity to handle monsoon rains. Mumbai, a city that often faces severe flooding during the monsoon season, has struggled with water management issues for years. The appearance of catfish on railway tracks underscores the need for improved infrastructure to manage the city’s heavy rainfall and prevent such occurrences. Social media reactions ranged from amusement to concern. One tweet humorously remarked, “Indian Railways Indian Waterways Heavy Rainfall Effect in Mumbai, Marine species on a tour to unexplored locations,” capturing the surreal nature of the event. Another user noted, “Only possible in Mumbai… Fish tank on Railway Track,” reflecting the city’s resilient and humorous spirit.
This incident is a reminder of the ongoing challenges Mumbai faces every monsoon season. While the sight of catfish on railway tracks provided a brief respite from the usual woes of flooding and travel delays, it also highlighted the urgent need for better urban planning and infrastructure development. The city’s authorities must address these issues to ensure that Mumbai’s residents can navigate the monsoon season safely and efficiently. As Mumbai continues to grapple with its annual monsoon challenges, the unexpected appearance of catfish on its railway tracks serves as both a symbol of the city’s unique character and a call to action for improved infrastructure and planning. The incident, while amusing, underscores the critical need for sustainable solutions to manage Mumbai’s heavy rainfall and prevent future disruptions.
