Mumbai, August 13:
Heavy monsoon showers returned to Mumbai on Wednesday, bringing with them massive traffic snarls, waterlogged streets, and delays in suburban train services. The city, which woke up to overcast skies and intermittent rain, saw intense downpours during peak morning hours, throwing the daily commute into disarray.
Traffic Jams Across Key Routes
Several arterial roads, including the Western Express Highway, Eastern Freeway, and SV Road, reported bumper-to-bumper traffic for hours. Commuters were stuck for over 45 minutes in areas like Andheri, Bandra, and Kurla. Officials advised avoiding low-lying zones such as Sion, Chembur, and Hindmata, where water levels rose quickly.
Public Transport Delays
Local trains on the Western and Central lines experienced delays of 15–20 minutes due to water accumulation on tracks. BEST bus services were also hit, with diversions implemented in flood-prone areas. Many office-goers turned to ride-hailing services, only to face long wait times and surge pricing.
Weather Department’s Warning
The IMD has issued an orange alert for the city, predicting heavy to very heavy rainfall in isolated areas over the next 24 hours. Citizens have been urged to stay updated on weather advisories and plan travel accordingly.
Civic authorities have activated control rooms and deployed extra pumping machinery in vulnerable areas to prevent prolonged flooding.
