June 16, 2025: Mumbai experienced severe disruption on Monday as heavy rainfall led to widespread waterlogging and major interruptions to transport services. Flood-prone areas were quickly submerged, with the city’s drainage infrastructure struggling to manage the volume of water. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an orange alert, forecasting further heavy downpours throughout the week.
As monsoon rains swept across the city, major roads and underpasses such as King’s Circle, Hindmata, and the Andheri subway became impassable. Central locations including Masjid Bunder, Flora Fountain, and Crawford Market witnessed flooding up to knee-level, significantly hampering movement. The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), under scrutiny after prior flood mismanagement, deployed 514 dewatering pumps—an increase from last year—but areas like Fort and Mumbai Central still reported delays in water removal.
At Kemp’s Corner, a section of road collapsed due to overwhelming water pressure, raising concerns about public safety. Other areas including Dadar, Colaba, and Sion Gandhi Market experienced similar distress, with shopfronts and homes facing water intrusion.
Train services, a lifeline for Mumbai’s commuters, were severely affected. Several Harbour Line trains were cancelled due to waterlogging between Byculla and CSMT, while delays of up to 20 minutes were reported on the Western line. Authorities have activated emergency protocols and advised commuters to monitor updates through apps such as M-Indicator.
The IMD predicts continued heavy rainfall, particularly during early morning and late evening high tides. Officials urge residents to avoid non-essential travel, especially through flood-prone areas. While metro services remained largely unaffected, concerns over Mumbai’s long-term flood preparedness persist. Experts emphasise the urgent need for sustainable urban planning to combat the increasingly frequent extreme weather events challenging the city’s resilience.
Source: Urban Acres
