Thunderstorms, Lightning & Chaos: Mumbai’s Mega Downpour Halts Trains, Floods Roads – Schools Declare Holiday Amid Heavy Rains

On Wednesday, heavy rains accompanied by thunder and lightning wreaked havoc in Mumbai, causing severe disruptions across the city. While Mumbai managed to hold on through most of the day despite the continuous downpour, the situation worsened by evening. Several areas of the city recorded over 200 mm of rain, leading to waterlogging in low-lying areas. This caused significant disruptions in both road and rail transport. By late evening, trains were halted, and many commuters were stranded at railway stations.

Also Read: Attention Passengers! Mumbai Rains Slow Down Trains – Check the Full List of Rescheduled Services Here

Rail and Road Transport Hit

The rains began early on Wednesday morning and continued throughout the day. By afternoon, the wind and rainfall intensity had increased significantly. As a result, waterlogging in several low-lying areas caused a severe disruption to rail services, particularly on the Central and Harbour lines. The stretch between Vidyavihar and Kanjurmarg was inundated, leaving thousands of commuters stuck. People had to wade through waterlogged streets to reach railway stations, where trains were delayed or canceled. By 8 PM, water began flowing over the tracks, slowing down the movement of trains and throwing the schedule into disarray.

 

Schools Declared Shut

With more rainfall expected on Thursday, the Mumbai Municipal Corporation declared a holiday for all schools and colleges in its jurisdiction on September 26. The Thane Municipal Corporation also announced a holiday for schools and colleges in its area.

Flooded Areas of the City

Several areas were particularly affected by waterlogging, including Kurla, Chembur, Vikhroli, Dadar TT, Andheri Subway, Mankhurd, Wadala, Bandra, Malad, Kandivali, Lalbaug- Parel, Goregaon, Tilak Nagar, Bhandup, Mulund, Ghatkopar, Vidyavihar, Gol Deul, Bhendi Bazaar, Sakinaka, and Hindmata.

Also Read: Heavy Rains in Mumbai: Woman Drowns in Andheri Drain, Landslide at Mumbra Bypass, Red Alert Issued – Schools Closed

One commuter, Swapnil Pawar, who traveled from Dadar to Vikhroli, said, "The train stopped multiple times. It took me an hour to travel between Vidyavihar and Ghatkopar."

More Rain Expected

While thunderstorms and lightning are typically signs of the retreating monsoon, the weather department clarified that the retreat of the monsoon has not yet begun in Maharashtra. However, heavy rainfall may persist for another two days, according to Sunil Kambli of the Mumbai Regional Meteorological Centre.

Mumbai, used to heavy downpours, faced significant disruption this time, with rail and road networks coming to a standstill due to the intense rain.