Mumbai Rains Bring City To A Standstill: Andheri Subway Shut, Severe Waterlogging Disrupts Traffic

Mumbai: The monsoon has once again picked up pace in Mumbai, and continuous heavy rains have started affecting the pace of the metropolis. Heavy rains from has caused severe waterlogging in many low-lying areas of the city. The situation worsened to such an extent that the Andheri subway had to be closed for vehicles, while traffic was affected due to waterlogging in some other underpasses and roads. 

What did the BMC say?

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has appealed to the people to be cautious, avoid waterlogged areas, and follow the administration's warnings.

According to the BMC, heavy waterlogging in the Andheri subway forced it to be temporarily closed to vehicular traffic. Continuous rain caused water to accumulate rapidly, making it dangerous for any vehicle to pass through. Corporation officials were deployed to ensure that no drivers entered the flooded underpass. 

BMC officials stated that no immediate temporary solution to the waterlogging problem in the Andheri subway has been found. He added that officials are constantly standing by and stopping people, but despite this, some drivers are still taking risks. 

Is Andheri subway closed?

According to the BMC, heavy waterlogging in the Andheri subway forced it to be temporarily closed to vehicular traffic. Continuous rain caused water to accumulate rapidly, making it dangerous for any vehicle to pass through. 

The impact of the rains in Mumbai wasn't limited to Andheri alone. Images of waterlogging emerged from several parts of the city. Another subway in the metropolis was also flooded, forcing the suspension of public traffic. Vehicles were seen moving slowly on the Eastern Express Highway due to the rain and waterlogging. 

Traffic was affected due to poor visibility and slippery road conditions. Some children and teenagers were seen enjoying the rain amidst the waterlogging in the Sion area, although the administration has advised people to be cautious in such situations.

What about other areas?

The rains have also affected the local transportation network. Local train services on the Trans-Harbour Line have been temporarily suspended. According to reports, soil erosion beneath the tracks between Turbhe and Kopar Khairane stations has rendered both the up and down lines unsafe for traffic. The Central Railway has suspended train operations on this section and has initiated repair and restoration work. Passengers have been advised to use alternative modes of transport.

What did IMD say?

The India Meteorological Department has also issued a warning for Mumbai and surrounding areas. The IMD had initially issued a red alert for Mumbai, its suburbs, and Palghar. Later, an orange warning was issued for Mumbai, Thane, Raigad, Palghar, and Sindhudurg, predicting moderate to heavy rain. The IMD also stated that Mumbai could experience strong winds with speeds of 41 to 61 kilometers per hour, and rain accompanied by thunderstorms. An orange alert has been issued for Thane district, while a yellow alert has been issued for Raigad, Ratnagiri, and Sindhudurg.