Heavy rain brought Mumbai to a standstill as Mumbai University postponed examinations, Dabbawalas suspended services, and rail and road networks faced widespread disruption under an IMD red alert.
Heavy rain caused waterlogging in several parts of Mumbai and disrupted train services between Turbhe and Vashi | ANI
Heavy rain brought normal life to a crawl across Mumbai and neighbouring areas on Monday, forcing Mumbai University to postpone examinations, disrupting rail and road traffic, and prompting the city’s iconic Dabbawalas to suspend deliveries for the day.
With the downpour entering its sixth consecutive day, authorities have stepped up precautionary measures across the Mumbai Metropolitan Region. The India Meteorological Department has issued a red alert for Mumbai, Thane and nearby districts, while schools and colleges have been shut and transport services continue to face major disruptions.
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Mumbai University called off all examinations scheduled for July 6, citing student safety amid the severe weather conditions.
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The postponed papers include LL.M., M.Sc. and M.Com. examinations. Fresh dates will be announced on the university’s official website.
“In view of the heavy rainfall and extreme weather warnings issued by the India Meteorological Department, and prioritising the safety of students, all examinations scheduled under Mumbai University for July 6, 2026, stand cancelled. These exams are being postponed due to the torrential rains. The revised schedule will be published on the official website soon. Students are advised to check the website periodically for updates. All students, colleges, and concerned authorities must take note of this,” the university said in a statement.
Schools and colleges across Mumbai and Thane have also been declared closed for the day as a precaution.
Mumbai’s famed Dabbawala network also suspended deliveries, saying the decision was taken to protect its workforce amid worsening weather conditions.
Ulhas Muke, President of the Dabbawala Association, said heavy rainfall in the Virar-Vasai region and waterlogging on railway tracks had made operations unsafe.
“The Virar-Vasai region is experiencing extremely heavy rainfall. Furthermore, waterlogging has been reported on railway tracks near several stations. To ensure the safety of our workforce, we have decided to suspend our services today. In our 125-year history of service, this is the first time we are prioritising employee safety over operations in this manner. This decision has been taken as a precautionary measure. We sincerely regret the inconvenience caused to our customers today,” he said.
Heavy rain also affected transport links across Mumbai, Pune and adjoining regions.
A landslide on the Mumbai-Pune Highway and damage to railway infrastructure disrupted both road and rail movement. Several trains between Mumbai and Pune were cancelled, while others were diverted after floodwater washed away gravel ballast beneath tracks between Karjat and Khopoli.
Railway personnel detected the damage before any incident occurred. Restoration work is underway with emergency teams and heavy machinery.
Suburban train services on Central and Western Railway corridors were running around 15 to 20 minutes behind schedule. The delays led to overcrowding at stations, including Kalyan, while waterlogging between Vasai Road and Virar affected Western Railway operations.
Following the rail disruption, the State Transport Corporation suspended Mumbai-Pune bus services until further notice.
The rain continued to create flood-like conditions in Raigad district, where rivers including the Savitri, Kundalika, Amba and Patalganga were reported to be flowing above danger levels.
Floodwater entered Mahad, Roha, Nagothane, Pen and Khopoli, affecting road connectivity across the district.
Authorities also imposed traffic restrictions on several routes. The Mumbai-Goa Highway was partially reopened only for heavy vehicles, while light vehicles remained barred. Roads including the Pen-Khopoli Highway, the Khopoli-Wakan Phata stretch and sections near Kashedi Ghat were closed because of flooding and landslides.
In Pali, floodwater entered the assembly hall of the historic Shree Ballaleshwar Ashtavinayak Temple.
Disaster management teams remain on alert as water levels continue to rise in low-lying parts of Mahad, including Dasturi Naka, Kranti Stambh and Sukatgalli.
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