Heavy rains disrupt Mumbai: Monorail stranded due to power snag, CM warns of critical 48 hours

Amid heavy rains, a monorail in Mumbai was stranded due to a power snag, prompting evacuation of passengers. The incident occurred as torrential downpours threw normal life in the city out of gear.

“One monorail train near Mysore Colony station has experienced a minor power supply issue. Our operations and maintenance teams are already on-site and working to resolve it quickly,” the Maha Mumbai Metro Operation Corporation Ltd (MMMOCL) said on X.

Advertisement

Earlier in the day, MMMOCL had advised residents to stay indoors due to “very heavy rainfall,” though it had assured that services were running smoothly.

Mumbai has been witnessing incessant rainfall since Monday morning. The India Meteorological Department has issued red and orange alerts for several districts of Maharashtra from August 18 to 20.

In view of the red alert, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) declared a holiday for all government and semi-government offices in the city, while advising private offices to allow employees to work from home, except for those engaged in essential and emergency services.

Several areas, including Bandra-Khar Link Road, Chembur, Vasai-Virar, and Chunabhatti, reported waterlogging following the heavy downpour. According to officials, parts of Mumbai recorded more than 250 mm of rainfall in the past 24 hours.

Between 8:30 AM on Monday and 8:30 AM on Tuesday, Vikhroli recorded 255.5 mm, Byculla 241 mm, Santacruz 238.2 mm, Juhu 221.5 mm, and Bandra 211 mm. Colaba received 110.4 mm, while Mahalaxmi saw 72.5 mm.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, who reviewed the flood situation with the disaster management department, said the next 48 hours would be critical for Mumbai, Thane, Raigad, Ratnagiri, and Sindhudurg districts.

“Mumbai has witnessed record rainfall of nearly 300 mm. The city’s lifeline—suburban trains—have slowed down or are running late. The Mithi river has reached the danger mark, and 400 to 500 persons had to be evacuated. Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde is monitoring the situation on the ground,” Fadnavis said after a Cabinet meeting.

(With inputs from agencies)