Mumbai Rainfall : Waterlogged and Thunderstorm , Flight Ops Hit, Trains Running Late

Relentless Rainfall Brings Mumbai to a Standstill: Waterlogging, Disruptions, and Warnings

Mumbai, the bustling financial capital of India, is grappling with severe waterlogging and widespread disruption due to relentless rainfall that has lashed the city over the past 24 hours. On May 26, 2025, the city recorded its heaviest 24-hour rainfall since 2019, with 268 mm of rain recorded at the Santacruz observatory, marking an extreme weather event that has brought Mumbai to a virtual standstill.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an orange alert for Mumbai and surrounding districts, warning of heavy to very heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, and gusty winds over the next 24–48 hours. The intense downpour has not only submerged major roads and low-lying areas but also crippled key transportation systems including suburban trains, BEST buses, and flights at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport.

Rainfall and Waterlogging:

The heavy showers that began late on Sunday night intensified through the early hours of Monday, leading to waterlogging in multiple parts of the city. Neighborhoods such as Dadar, Chembur, Sion, King’s Circle, Kurla East, Wadala, and Andheri were among the worst affected. In some areas like Navi Mumbai’s Sanpada, water levels rose to knee-deep, completely halting vehicular movement and leaving residents stranded.

Footage shared by commuters and local residents on social media shows cars submerged on flooded streets, children wading through waterlogged lanes, and local vendors trying to save their goods from the rainwater. Major intersections, including Sion Circle, Milan Subway, and Hindmata Junction, turned into small lakes, further choking vehicular traffic.

What makes the situation especially difficult is the combination of high tides and heavy rains. The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has confirmed that multiple pumping stations across the city are running at full capacity to drain excess water, but the persistent rainfall is negating much of their effect.

Suburban Train Services in Disarray and Late:

Mumbai’s local trains, the city’s lifeline, have been severely affected by the downpour. Services on the Central Railway line, particularly the stretch between Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) and Thane, were temporarily suspended early Monday due to waterlogging on the tracks near Kurla and Sion.

Although services have now resumed in a phased manner, massive delays persist. Western Railway lines are running, but with significant slowdowns and crowding at most stations. Harbour Line services were also temporarily affected due to water accumulation at Chunabhatti Station, leading to cancellations and overcrowded platforms.

Thousands of daily commuters were either stranded on platforms or forced to make alternative arrangements. Some offices allowed employees to work from home, while others, especially in the essential services sector, struggled with reduced staff due to mobility issues.

BEST Buses and Road Travel Severely Hit:

The Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST) Undertaking has diverted or curtailed over 40 bus routes due to waterlogged roads. Buses have been skipping major stops, especially in areas like Dharavi, Kurla, and Andheri, where road conditions have become treacherous. Commuters attempting to board buses found them either overcrowded or cancelled without notice.

In addition, heavy traffic jams have been reported across the Eastern Express Highway, Western Express Highway, and Linking Road. The Andheri subway, a known flood-prone zone, was closed to traffic after becoming completely submerged. Even private vehicles are struggling to navigate the flooded streets, with several breakdowns reported.

The Mumbai Traffic Police has issued advisories urging citizens to avoid non-essential travel and has deployed additional personnel to manage chaotic intersections.

Air Travel Disruptions at Mumbai Airport:

Operations at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport were disrupted with dozens of flights delayed and some diverted to Ahmedabad and Goa due to low visibility and continuous rainfall. Airlines including IndiGo, Air India, Vistara, and SpiceJet issued public advisories, requesting passengers to check flight statuses before leaving for the airport.

Airport officials confirmed that while runway operations are continuing, ground handling has slowed down due to the rain, leading to longer waiting times for take-offs and landings. With many roads leading to the airport waterlogged, reaching the terminals has become a challenge for travelers.

Civic Advisory and Emergency Services:

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has activated its emergency control room and deployed disaster response teams across key zones. The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) has also been mobilized in areas like Kurla, Chembur, and Malad, where residents in ground-floor homes have had to deal with flooding indoors.

Schools and colleges in the city have been advised to remain shut for the day. Private offices, wherever possible, have been told to allow employees to work from home. Public messaging systems including SMS alerts, social media, and local news channels are being used by the authorities to update citizens about rainfall intensity, high tide timings, and traffic blockages.

The IMD has also warned that a high tide of over 4.8 meters is expected in the evening, which could worsen the waterlogging situation, especially if the rain continues unabated.

Monsoon Onset and Weather Outlook:

While the monsoon is yet to officially begin in Mumbai, meteorologists believe that these pre-monsoon showers are a precursor to a strong monsoon season. The IMD has forecast continued heavy to very heavy rainfall in Mumbai, Thane, and parts of Palghar over the next 48 hours.

Thunderstorms, accompanied by gusty winds reaching speeds of up to 50–60 km/h, have also been predicted. Local fishermen have been advised not to venture into the sea, and coastal residents are on high alert due to the dual threat of high tides and rainfall.

Safety Measures and Alerts:

The India Meteorological Department has issued a red alert for Mumbai and surrounding districts, warning of heavy to very heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, and gusty winds over the next 24–48 hours. Residents are advised to stay indoors unless absolutely necessary and to avoid traveling through waterlogged areas. The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) has been deployed in affected zones to assist with rescue and relief operations.

Authorities have advised residents to stay indoors unless absolutely necessary. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued orange to red alerts for Mumbai and its suburban areas, forecasting heavy to very heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, and gusty winds over the next 3–4 hours . The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has also urged private offices to remain closed for the day, with only essential services operating.