A bus travels on a flooded road after heavy rains, near the Andheri Subway in Mumbai. (Photo: PTI)
Mumbai received heavy rains on Monday morning, resulting in waterlogging in several areas. The rains disrupted train services in the city.
According to Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST), many buses had to be diverted due to flooded streets.
The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) reported that over 300 mm of rain fell at several locations between 1am and 7am on Monday.
—ANI (@ANI) July 8, 2024
The BMC said in a statement: “Heavy rainfall in some low-lying areas led to waterlogging and disruption of train services in the suburbs.”
To avoid inconvenience to students, the BMC has declared a holiday for the first session for all BMC, government and private schools and colleges in Mumbai. It further said that the decision on the next session will be taken after assessing the situation.
According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), Mumbai will experience moderate to heavy rainfall throughout the day (July 8). Thunderstorms are possible during the night.
The weather department has predicted continued heavy rainfall in Maharashtra for the next three to four days. Heavy rainfall is expected in Madhya Maharashtra and Marathwada region from July 8 to 10.
Rainfall in Mumbai: Train services affected
Heavy rains in Maharashtra on Monday morning caused waterlogging at stations and on tracks, affecting suburban services of Central Railway.
In a statement, the Central Railway Public Relations Officer (CRPO) said, “Train services are affected at Sion and between Bhandup and Nahur stations. Rainwater was over the tracks, so trains were stopped for almost an hour. Now the water has subsided a little, so trains are running again, but services are still affected.”
Later, Western Railway announced that they were using high capacity water pumps to remove water from the tracks and the suburban section is now running normally. They said that trains between Kalyan and Kasara are running at reduced speeds.
“Despite heavy rains, #MumbaiLocals in the suburban section of WR are running normally to ensure a safe ride for Mumbaikars. High capacity water pumps are being used to drain water and railway staff across the section are closely monitoring the situation to keep Mumbai’s lifeline running smoothly,” read a post on X (formerly Twitter).
Airlines give advice
Mumbai was hit by heavy rains on Monday, disrupting flight operations at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport.
IndiGo and Vistara have issued a warning for passengers flying to or from Mumbai.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), IndiGo said, “Flights to/from #Mumbai are affected due to heavy rainfall. To opt for an alternative flight or claim a full refund, https://bit.ly/3MxSLeE or feel free to contact our team on the ground for immediate assistance. For flight status, https://bit.ly/3lpnChV.”
— IndiGo (@IndiGo6E) July 8, 2024
In a similar advisory, Vistara on X posted: “Heavy traffic congestion and slow movement is expected en route to Mumbai Airport today due to weather conditions. Customers are advised to allow extra time for their journey to the airport.”
(With input from the agency)
First print: 08 Jul 2024 | 09:32 IST