Mumbai Paralyzed by Torrential Rains: Red Alert Issued, Flights Delayed, Trains Disrupted, Roads Submerged, BMC Declares Holiday

Mumbai: Mumbai was brought to a standstill on Tuesday as relentless heavy rains lashed the city, leading to widespread flooding, transport disruptions, and citywide shutdowns. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a red alert for Mumbai and its suburbs, warning of extremely heavy rainfall through the day. All emergency agencies were placed on high alert as the financial capital grappled with chaos.

Air Travel in Turmoil

According to flight tracking data from Flightradar, 155 departing flights from Mumbai Airport were delayed, while 102 incoming flights faced major disruptions. IndiGo issued a public advisory urging passengers to factor in delays due to waterlogged roads leading to the airport and traffic snarls that slowed down passenger movement. “With Mumbai drenched in heavy showers… we regret the inconvenience,” the airline said.

BMC Shuts Down Offices, Urges Work From Home

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) responded by declaring a holiday for all government, semi-government, and civic offices, excluding essential services. A directive was also issued to private offices to allow employees to work from home. “Considering the red alert for very heavy rainfall in Mumbai city and suburbs, all government, semi-government, and BMC offices (excluding essential services) will remain closed today,” the civic body announced.

Schools and Colleges Closed

Educational institutions also faced the brunt of the downpour. Schools and colleges across Mumbai were shut, while the Directorate of Higher Education declared a holiday for senior colleges across the entire Konkan region, including Palghar, Thane, Raigad, Ratnagiri, and Sindhudurg.

Transport Collapse: Trains, Buses, and Roads Affected

Mumbai’s lifeline—the suburban railways—faced serious delays. Central Railway services were running 20–30 minutes late due to waterlogging on tracks at Dadar, Parel, Matunga, and Sion. To compound matters, an early morning signalling snag between Ambivali and Shahad stations further slowed operations.

The BEST bus network diverted services at several points after roads were submerged. Vehicular movement was crippled in many pockets, with SV Road in Andheri West witnessing a complete traffic halt.

Major flooding was reported at Hindmata Junction, Andheri Subway, Eastern Express Highway, Mumbai-Gujarat Highway, and the Eastern Freeway. Visuals from Gandhi Market in Sion, Dadar TT, and Mumbai Central showed commuters wading through waist-deep water.

In Vasai, low-lying areas including Vasant Nagari, Evershine Road, and Mithagar were completely submerged, trapping an estimated 200–400 people.

Rainfall Records

Mumbai recorded massive rainfall in 24 hours ending 8 am Tuesday:

• Vikhroli: 255.5 mm
• Byculla: 241.0 mm
• Santacruz: 238.2 mm
• Juhu: 221.5 mm
• Bandra: 211.0 mm
• Colaba: 110.4 mm
• Mahalaxmi: 72.5 mm

City on Edge

The downpour left the city reeling under waterlogging, flight chaos, train delays, stranded commuters, and submerged highways, making it one of the heaviest monsoon days of the season. Authorities continue to urge citizens to stay indoors, avoid non-essential travel, and brace for more heavy showers in the coming hours.