Mumbai rain update: Trains cancelled, schools closed, more showers expected

Heavy rains lashed Mumbai and its suburbs early Monday morning, causing widespread flooding on major roads and low-lying areas, triggering major traffic jams across the city and paralysing normal life for city dwellers. The city recorded over 300 mm of rain at various places in a six-hour period from 1 am to 7 am, civic officials said.

Several areas including Andheri, Kurla, Bhandup, King’s Circle, Vile Parle and Dadar among others have reported heavy water accumulation. The incessant rains have overwhelmed storm drains, bringing traffic to a standstill in many parts of India’s financial capital.

Learn more

In some places, vehicles were seen drifting in the water while people waded through knee-deep water.

“More than 300 millimetres of rain was recorded at different places during the six-hour period from midnight yesterday to 7 am today. Heavy rains caused waterlogging in some low-lying areas and suburban train services were also disrupted,” the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) said.

Schools closed: The BMC has announced half-day holidays for government and private schools and colleges under its jurisdiction. The decision regarding the afternoon session of classes will be announced later.

Heavy rains also disrupted suburban train services as well as BEST bus services. Several BEST buses were diverted from their regular routes, authorities said.

Cancelled trains: The Central Railway has cancelled MMR-CSMT (12110), Pune-CSMT (11010), Pune-CSMT Deccan (12124), Pune-CSMT Deccan (11007) and CSMT-Pune Intercity Express (12127) trains.

Local train services were also briefly interrupted, then later resumed after water receded from the tracks.

“Central Railway suburban services have been affected due to heavy rains. Train services are affected at Sion and between Bhandup and Nahur stations. Rainwater was above the tracks, so trains were stopped for nearly an hour. Now the water has receded a little, so trains are restarting, but services are still affected,” a senior official said at 8 am.

Airlines issue notice: Due to the unfavourable weather conditions in Delhi, Vistara airlines has advised travellers to plan their journey to the airport accordingly. “Heavy traffic congestion and slow vehicular movement are expected en route to Mumbai airport today due to weather conditions. Customers are advised to allow extra time for their journey to the airport,” the airline said in a statement.

Traffic jams across the city: The city’s freeways and major roads that are not submerged saw heavy rush-hour traffic on Monday morning. Images from the Western Expressway showed long stretches of vehicles struggling to move.

STAY HOME ADVICE FROM CIVIC ORGANIZATION

The rain will continue: The city is expected to continue to receive heavy rains in the coming hours. According to the latest forecast from the Indian Department of Materials on Monday morning, Mumbai is expected to experience “generally cloudy skies with moderate to heavy rains in the city and its suburbs.”

The BMC has advised city residents to stay safe and leave their homes quickly if necessary.

“The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast heavy to very heavy rains in Mumbai today. Following continuous rains, all BMC machinery is functioning on the ground. Mumbaikars are requested not to believe in any rumour. Also, step out of the house only if necessary. In case of emergency, call 1916 for immediate assistance,” the civic body said.

Expected high tide: Meteorological authorities have also warned that the city will experience a high tide of 4.2 metres around 2pm today due to the current weather situation.

To agree