Mumbai monsoon chaos: Key roads closed, subway shut; helpline numbers you should save

Maharshtra: Mumbai witnessed one of its wettest spells of the season as torrential monsoon rains flooded roads, disrupted rail services and triggered widespread waterlogging across the city and its suburbs.

The southwest monsoon finally arrived in Mumbai on Tuesday, ending a prolonged wait but bringing severe disruption across the city. Several areas recorded more than 300 mm of rainfall within 24 hours, inundating roads, shutting key underpasses and affecting thousands of daily commuters.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) confirmed the monsoon's onset over Mumbai and parts of Maharashtra and warned that moderate to heavy rainfall would continue over the next 48 hours. An Orange Alert remained in place for Mumbai and neighbouring districts, while a Red Alert was issued for parts of the Mumbai Metropolitan Region during the day.

Waterlogging cripples low-lying areas

Heavy overnight showers led to severe flooding in several low-lying locations, including the Andheri subway, Hindmata, Sion-Matunga, Dadar, Wadala and parts of Navi Mumbai.

The Andheri subway was shut for vehicular traffic after being submerged under floodwaters. Civic officials stationed at the location prevented vehicles from entering after multiple incidents involving stranded motorists.

Residents also complained about blocked drainage systems and overflowing manholes, which worsened flooding in several neighbourhoods.

Rainfall crosses 300 mm in several areas

Among the worst-hit locations were Malwani and Parel, both recording around 343 mm of rainfall. Malad Depot received 314 mm, while Powai, Dindoshi, Marol, Bhandup, Chembur, Mankhurd and Dadar also witnessed exceptionally heavy rain.

The widespread downpour caused traffic congestion across major roads, slowing movement during the morning rush hour.

Train services disrupted

The heavy rainfall also affected Mumbai's suburban rail network. Services on Central Railway's Trans-Harbour line were temporarily suspended after soil and ballast beneath the tracks caved in between Turbhe and Koparkhairane stations.

Railway authorities declared both tracks unsafe during the early morning hours and halted train operations until emergency repair work was completed.

While services were later restored with strict speed restrictions, commuters faced delays ranging from 30 to 45 minutes. Additional waterlogging between Kurla and Matunga further slowed operations on the main line.

Thousands of passengers were left stranded at stations across the corridor as restoration teams worked to stabilise the affected track section.

Sharp drop in temperature

The arrival of the monsoon brought significant relief from the intense heat that had gripped Mumbai in recent weeks.

Temperatures dropped by nearly 10 degrees Celsius within a day. The Santacruz observatory recorded a maximum temperature of 26.8°C on Tuesday, which was considerably below normal for this time of year.

One of Mumbai's most delayed monsoon arrivals

Although the rains arrived with force, the monsoon itself reached Mumbai later than usual. The normal onset date is June 11, making this one of the most delayed arrivals in recent decades.

Meteorological records show only a handful of years have witnessed a later onset. The city experienced similarly delayed arrivals in 2019 and 2023, while some of the latest monsoon arrivals on record occurred in the 1950s and 1970s.

Authorities remain on alert

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation has deployed teams across vulnerable locations to manage flooding and monitor drainage systems. Railway authorities are also keeping a close watch on track conditions as rain continues.

With the IMD forecasting more heavy showers along Maharashtra's coast, officials have urged residents to avoid waterlogged areas, monitor weather updates and plan travel carefully.

Emergency helplines:

Mumbai residents facing rain-related emergencies can contact the BMC's 24x7 helpline at 1916 or the Mumbai Disaster Control Room at 1077. For flooding, waterlogging and civic issues, the BMC Disaster Management Control Room can be reached at 022-22694725 and 022-22694727. In case of emergencies, residents can dial 112, while 100 connects to the police, 101 to the fire brigade and 108 for ambulance services. Commuters affected by rail disruptions can also contact the Indian Railways helpline at 139 for train-related updates and assistance.