July 14, 2025: The persistent waterlogging outside Prabhadevi station has once again reignited a blame game between the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) and Western Railway (WR), with the BMC now officially stating that the area lacks any drainage infrastructure and falls entirely under railway jurisdiction.
For six monsoon seasons, commuters have been forced to wade through ankle-deep sewage water at one of Mumbai’s busiest stations. Civic group Chakachak Dadar slammed the inaction, calling it a “criminal negligence” on the part of WR. “Despite years of inspections, BMC correspondence, and public complaints, nothing has changed. This is not a natural disaster but a civic failure in the heart of Mumbai,” said Chetan Kamble of the organisation.
The BMC, in a formal response, confirmed the absence of a sewage line and blamed debris accumulation on WR land for the flooding. “Repeated reminders and instructions have been issued to the railway authorities, including during a joint meeting on June 16. Yet, no action has been taken,” stated a letter from the Assistant Engineer of the solid waste management department.
In response, WR officials said redevelopment is underway as part of the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme, including the demolition of old railway colony buildings, which has freed over 1,600 sq m of land. A WR spokesperson admitted that the existing drainage system is outdated and ineffective and confirmed that a “state-of-the-art” replacement would be constructed post-monsoon.
Upcoming facilities at the station include a new drainage system, parking area, toilet block, upgraded roads, and even a lift for the foot overbridge. WR’s chief spokesperson, Vineet Abhishek, added, “Drainage improvement is part of the broader plan, which will be taken up after the rains to avoid disruption.”
Until then, commuters continue to face daily hardship at the station’s flooded exits.
