Despite assurances from the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRCL) two years ago that the underground Metro Line 3 — connecting Colaba to SEEPZ via the Bandra-Kurla Complex — would be completely flood-proof, recent heavy rains exposed serious flaws. Merely 16 days after its inauguration, the Acharya Atre Chowk station flooded on Monday, forcing train services to be curtailed up to Worli station.
The intense rainfall caused significant damage to infrastructure. Sources revealed that a slab inside Acharya Atre Chowk station collapsed, and ticket-scanning machines were dislodged by the force of the water. The MMRCL issued a statement explaining that water seepage was reported at an under-construction entry and exit structure, where a reinforced concrete water-retaining wall gave way due to sudden water ingress from an adjacent utility. The affected section remains closed to the public as a precaution, with services suspended between Worli and Acharya Atre Chowk. Trains between Aarey JVLR and Worli are running, though with delays.
Regular commuter Neerav Rasaal reported that his usual 20-minute journey from Marol Naka to BKC extended to 35 minutes due to the disruption.
Worli MLA Aaditya Thackeray criticised the government’s decision to launch the line without completing the water-retaining wall, calling it “shoddy execution”. Congress MP Varsha Gaikwad condemned the situation on social media, questioning the safety measures in place and demanding accountability.
Commuters expressed frustration, highlighting Mumbai’s long history of monsoon-related flooding. Surya Singhal remarked that authorities should have anticipated such challenges, while Nandini Maluja lamented the lack of proper facilities and alternate transport arrangements during the disruption.
This incident raises serious questions about the Metro’s readiness to handle Mumbai’s monsoon rains, disappointing many who had hoped for a reliable new transport option.
Source: Mid-day
