Local train services on Harbour line delayed amid heavy rainfall on Saturday morning, August 18, led to waterlogging between tracks at several railway stations, including Mankhurd, Govandi, Kurla and Tilak Nagar, according to the Mumbai division of Central Railway (CR).
CR in post on X said, "Harbour Line Update Due to heavy rain and waterlogging at Mankhurd, Govandi, Kurla and Tilak Nagar, train services are running with slight delays. Inconvenience caused is regretted."
The Chief Public Relations Officer of Central Railway, Dr. Swapnil Nila, told Mid-Day that the track points between Kurla and Tilak Nagar on the Harbour line have been clamped, which means trains are running 8 to 10 minutes behind schedule. He said there has been no suspension of trains so far.
Meanwhile, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a red alert as heavy to very heavy rainfall has lashed Mumbai and its suburbs since Monday morning. IMD, in its nowcast warning at 10 am, expects heavy rainfall across the city for the next three to four hours.
Some low-lying areas in the city and suburbs were flooded, hampering vehicular traffic. The Andheri Subway, which divides east and west, has been shut due to waterlogging. The Malad Subway is also shut for traffic, and police barricades have been installed to avoid any incident.
Eastern Express highway also witnessed jams near Chembur, as the region recorded the highest rainfall of 65 mm, while 50 mm of rain was recorded in Shivaji Nagar in the past hour.
In the past 24 hours, the city recorded an average rainfall of 54.58 mm, the eastern suburbs received 72.61 mm, and the western suburbs recorded 65.86 mm of rain until Monday at 8 am.
Meanwhile, Central Railway, Mumbai Division has issued the following important instructions for all passengers. CR request all passengers to cooperate with the railway staff and follow the instructions given by the staff. "Please be patient. Our trained staff are actively alert to keep operations running smoothly and assist all passengers." CR advisory reads.
"Avoid standing on the footboard. It is extremely dangerous to travel on the footboard, especially in slippery conditions such as rain. Do not walk or cross the railway tracks, especially in waterlogged conditions. It can be dangerous. Stay safe on the train. Do not throw plastic waste or other garbage on the railway tracks. This blocks drains and creates," said CR advisory.