Mumbai, June 16, 2025 :-
Mumbai witnessed widespread disruption on Monday as heavy rainfall battered the city, forcing local trains to slow down, roads to flood, and thousands of commuters to alter their routines. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an orange alert for Mumbai, warning of more intense downpours and the likelihood of urban flooding, particularly in low-lying areas.
According to the IMD, Colaba received 100 mm of rainfall, while Santacruz recorded 86 mm in the 24-hour period ending early Monday morning. The showers, intensified by the southwest monsoon currents, began late Sunday night and continued through the day, leading to waterlogging in several parts of the city.
Many residents woke up to flooded roads in areas such as Dadar, Hindmata, Sion, Kurla, and Chembur. Visuals of submerged vehicles, stalled buses, and knee-deep water in some residential pockets highlighted the chaos. The local train network, which serves millions of daily passengers, reported significant delays due to water accumulation on tracks. Both the Central and Western Railway lines were affected, with some routes witnessing temporary halts or diversions.
In response, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) activated its monsoon emergency response teams. Pumps were deployed to drain water from key areas, while disaster response units were stationed across the city. The BMC has urged citizens to avoid non-essential travel, follow real-time weather updates, and contact the emergency helpline 1916 in case of emergencies.
Despite repeated assurances and action plans over the years, Mumbai continues to face flooding during heavy rainfall. Urban planners and environmental experts have long warned that the city’s outdated drainage infrastructure, combined with rapid construction and reduced green cover, makes it increasingly vulnerable to monsoon-related disruptions. They argue that short-term fixes like desilting nullahs or deploying pumps are not enough. The city needs long-term climate-resilient planning, improved water management systems, and stricter regulation of land use in ecologically sensitive areas.
The orange alert remains in effect as the IMD forecasts more heavy showers in the coming 48 hours. Schools have not been closed officially, but several private institutions have switched to online classes or given students the option to stay home. Traffic police are also urging caution, especially for two-wheeler riders navigating through submerged roads.
As Mumbai enters the heart of its monsoon season, citizens are once again bracing for more rain, more delays, and the familiar discomfort of a city struggling to stay afloat. While civic bodies continue to respond, the broader question remains: how many more monsoons will it take before Mumbai becomes rain-ready?
