Flight and local train services were disrupted on Monday morning in Mumbai following heavy rains, which also threw city traffic off gear. The IMD has warned that the heavy rains will continue on Monday too.
A statement by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport, Mumbai, said heavy rains and low visibility led to the suspension of runway operations from 2:22 am to 3:40 am on Monday. The statement added that flights were diverted to Ahmedabad, Hyderabad and Indore. "Currently, priority is being given to arrivals, delaying departures, and consequential changes that were made to accommodate diverted flights," it added.
Local train services were also affected on the Central Railway routes but things are improving. "Train Services on Main line Down and Up Fast line between CSMT-Thane have been restored at a restricted speed. Mail Express trains are also being moved, the Central Railway added.
However, the train services on the fast line of the main corridor between Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) in south Mumbai and neighbouring Thane were suspended due to waterlogging at various places. Suburban services were running on the slow line, he said. The Harbour corridor services were also temporarily suspended due to waterlogging at Chunnabhati. The officials have also asked the public to avoid travel unless unavoidable.
Swapnil Dhanraj Nila, CPRO, Central Railway said the services on Harbour Line were running normally till 9:30 am. "After 9:30 am, the overflowing Mithi River at Chunabhatti Station heavy rains resulted in accumulation of water on the track. Due to this, the local services at Chunabhatti Station were disrupted. Now the services from Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus to Wadala Road are running normally. The services from Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus to Western, Goregaon are also operational. The service from Mankhurd to Panvel is running smoothly but the services are non-functional in the middle portion from Wadala Road to Mankhurd. As soon as some water recedes, efforts will be made to resume services," he added.
#WATCH | Commuters face trouble as traffic movement is disrupted due to waterlogged roads in Sion area of Mumbai due to heavy rains pic.twitter.com/mww9TCA40j
— ANI (@ANI) July 8, 2024
The Western Railway said suburban trains were running up to 10 minutes late because the water was above the track level between Matunga Road and Dadar due to heavy showers. "High capacity water pumps are being utilised to drain water away from the railway tracks to ensure a smooth commute for Mumbaikars," a Western Railway spokesperson said.
In view of the IMD update warning of rain, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) declared a holiday for the day for all the civic, government and private schools and colleges in the city to avoid inconvenience to students."The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted heavy to very heavy rainfall in Mumbai. Additionally, at 1.57 pm today, there will be a 4.40 m high tide in the sea," a BMC spokesperson said.
Waterlogging
Many areas in the city were inundated, throwing traffic out of gear. The areas that witnessed waterlogging include Buntara Bhavan in Kurla East, King's Circle and Western Express Highway near Vile Parle. The Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST) also diverted or suspended at least 40 bus routes in the city and suburbs due to waterlogging on roads at various locations.
House adjourned
Maharashtra assembly speaker Rahul Narwekar on Monday adjourned the House till 1 pm in view of several MLAs and ministers unable to reach the legislature complex in south Mumbai due to heavy rains. As soon as the House assembled for the day at 11 am, Leader of Opposition Vijay Wadettiwar highlighted the problems being faced by people in Mumbai due to the heavy rains.
