Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai

Mumbai, Aug 19: Torrential rainfall battered Mumbai on Tuesday, pushing the Mithi River beyond its danger level and triggering widespread disruption across the city. With the river rising to 4.07 metres—surpassing the danger threshold of 4 metres—the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) and Mumbai Police issued alerts, urging residents in low-lying areas to remain vigilant.

Authorities have already begun relocating residents from vulnerable zones like Bhandup and Vikhroli to safer locations, amid fears of potential landslides and flooding.

In view of worsening weather conditions, all city beaches—including Juhu, Versova, Aksa, and Gorai—have been closed to the public. Tourists and locals have also been warned to avoid areas such as Marine Drive, Worli Sea Face, Carter Road, and Madh Island due to high tide and rough sea conditions.

Public transport has taken a major hit, especially the city’s lifeline—its suburban train services. Central Railway services are delayed by 15–20 minutes due to waterlogging on key sections like Ghatkopar, Kurla, Vidyavihar, and Sion. On the Harbour Line, trains are running 20–25 minutes behind schedule, particularly between Kurla, Tilak Nagar, and Govandi. Western Railway trains are also crawling due to water accumulation at Matunga Road and Mahim.

Dr. Swapnil Dhanraj Nila, Chief Public Relations Officer of Central Railway, confirmed minor waterlogging issues at Kurla, Chembur, and Tilak Nagar stations. “We’ve clamped points at affected stations and deployed high-capacity pumps and manpower, especially during the 6:30 p.m. high tide, to manage the situation,” he said.

Delays on the main line are currently around 8–10 minutes, largely due to reduced visibility and continuous rainfall along stretches from Karjat to CSMT via Kalyan and Kasara.

Despite the delays, the Western Railway assured commuters of continued service, posting on X: “We won't stop, we won't pause… Mumbai locals continue to run, even through relentless rain.”

Road traffic, too, has been heavily affected. Long snarls were reported along the Eastern Express Highway, Eastern Freeway, and Western Express Highway, as the city struggled to cope with waterlogging and ongoing downpours.

Meanwhile, top civic and police officials, including Mumbai Suburban District Co-Guardian Minister Mangal Prabhat Lodha, Police Commissioner Deven Bharti, and BMC Commissioner Bhushan Gagrani, visited the BMC Disaster Management Control Room to monitor real-time developments.

With rain expected to continue, authorities have urged residents to stay indoors unless absolutely necessary and to follow official advisories closely.