Mumbai and several parts of Maharashtra have been witnessing continuous rainfall since the monsoon entered the state 12 days ago. The intensity of the rain picked up significantly today, causing widespread waterlogging, transport disruptions, and traffic snarls across Mumbai and its suburbs.
From the early hours of the morning, heavy rain lashed Mumbai, triggering a sense of panic among residents. Waterlogging was reported in several low-lying areas, affecting daily life and the city’s transport infrastructure. The Central Railway and Harbour Railway services were halted temporarily due to water accumulation on the tracks, further compounding commuter woes.
Simultaneously, several arterial roads across the city were submerged, leading to large-scale traffic congestion. Images of submerged roads and stranded vehicles painted a grim picture of Mumbai’s readiness for the monsoon’s arrival.
Low-lying areas such as Prabhadevi, Parel, Sion, Hindmata, Wadala, and the vicinity of Gandhi Market witnessed severe water accumulation. Waterlogging was also reported inside the premises of KEM Hospital. As a precautionary measure, BEST buses were diverted on multiple routes to avoid heavily inundated zones.
Railway services took a hit, with disruptions recorded at Masjid Bunder and Matunga stations on the Central and Harbour lines. In an unusual development, water entered Acharya Atre Chowk at Worli station on the underground metro line, indicating the severity of the situation. Western suburbs, including Andheri (Subway), Santacruz (Vakola), Goregaon, and Vile Parle, were not spared, with flooded subways and low-lying zones affecting train and road connectivity.
As Mumbai experienced flooding with the very first bout of heavy rain, concerns have been raised about how the city will cope with the rest of the monsoon season. However, efforts by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) have been visible on the ground. Civic workers are actively clearing drains and removing garbage to prevent water stagnation.
The prompt action by municipal teams this year has sparked hope that the extent of waterlogging may reduce in the coming weeks. Still, today's events underscore the challenges Mumbai faces annually during the monsoon, especially in densely populated or poorly drained areas.