Heavy overnight rains once again brought Mumbai to a grinding halt on Tuesday, with extensive waterlogging across key areas forcing the cancellation of several local train services on the Western Line. The disruption left thousands of commuters stranded at stations, struggling to reach workplaces, schools, and appointments, highlighting the city’s recurring battle with monsoon flooding.
According to railway officials, water levels on the tracks at several low-lying stretches, including Andheri, Borivali, and Nallasopara, rose beyond safety limits, compelling authorities to halt operations. “The priority is safety. Once water on the tracks exceeds a certain mark, it becomes impossible to run trains,” officials explained. Trains scheduled for early morning peak hours were either cancelled or significantly delayed, triggering chaos at major hubs such as Churchgate, Dadar, and Bandra. Commuters expressed frustration as packed platforms turned into waiting zones, with crowds growing through the morning. Many who depend entirely on local trains – the city’s lifeline carrying over 30 lakh passengers daily on the Western Line alone – were left with no option but to seek alternative transport. However, road travel was equally difficult as heavy rainfall had waterlogged arterial routes like Western Express Highway and Link Road, leading to severe traffic congestion.
Several officegoers reported spending hours stuck in buses and taxis. Others turned to app-based cab services, but high surge pricing added to the woes. “I left home at 8 am and still couldn’t reach office by noon. Both roads and trains were blocked,” shared one commuter. Schools in the affected zones also recorded low attendance as parents kept children at home, wary of flooded streets and uncertain transport. The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) confirmed that pumping stations were operating at full capacity but admitted that intense overnight downpour – measuring over 120 mm in some suburbs – overwhelmed the drainage system. Civic workers were deployed across waterlogged spots in an effort to clear choke points and improve flow. Despite these measures, several areas including Kurla, Andheri East, Dahisar, and Sion remained heavily inundated.
Weather officials stated that Mumbai remains under an orange alert, with more moderate to heavy rainfall expected over the next 24 hours. Citizens have been advised to plan travel only if necessary and to keep track of real-time train and bus updates. The latest disruption underscores the fragility of Mumbai’s infrastructure during monsoons, a challenge the city has faced for decades. While long-term projects such as underground drainage upgrades and pumping station expansions are underway, experts stress that climate change-induced extreme weather is compounding the risks. For now, commuters continue to bear the brunt. As one exhausted passenger put it while waiting at Bandra station: “Every year it’s the same story. One night of heavy rain and Mumbai stops moving.”
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