Heavy rains battered Mumbai on Wednesday night and early hours of Thursday throwing life off gear due to traffic snarls and waterlogging at many areas. The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a red alert on Thursday, prompting authorities to announce holidays for all education institutions in Mumbai and its suburbs.
Though Wednesday's showers brought local train service to a halt, the services have since been restored, according to Central Railways. The statement added that Harbour line local train services had been resumed after the water receded between Govandi-Mankhurd. "Trains are running with caution and a restricted speed of 25kmph. Services resumed at 11.23 pm," it added.
Over 14 incoming flights were also disrupted. SpiceJet on Wednesday said that flight departures, arrivals and their consequential flights may be affected. "Due to bad weather (heavy rain) in Mumbai (BOM), all departures/arrivals and their consequential flights may get affected," said SpiceJet.
Traffic snarls, landslides
The rains also resulted in traffic jams in many areas, including Lal Bahadur Shastri (LBS) Marg in Kurla and Ghatkopar, particularly near Sahara Hotel, Kurla Depot and Phoenix Mall Road, Kalpana cinema and Kalina Air India road.
Snarls were also reported in Mumbai’s Kurla East area, Nehru Nagar, Chembur and Kurla bridge following the rain. Heavy traffic jams were also seen on Eastern Express Highway.
The torrential rain also caused a landslide at the Mumbra by-pass road on Wednesday night. This resulted in a traffic bottleneck which lasted for three hours. Authorities have said that the bypass has since been cleared.
IMD alert
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a Red Alert for Mumbai till Thursday morning. All schools and colleges in Mumbai will also remain shut on Thursday. The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) administration requests Mumbaikars to step out of their homes only if required.
Schools will also remain closed in Pune city Pune city and Pimpri Chinchwad. IMD has issued an orange alert for tomorrow in the Pune district. A red alert is in place for Thane, Palghar, and Raigad districts while for Ratnagiri district.