Mumbai Braces for Heavy Rains: City’s Transport Systems Disrupted as IMD Issues Orange Alert

Mumbai, July 21 – Heavy rainfall lashed Mumbai and its surrounding suburbs on Monday, causing widespread waterlogging, traffic disruptions, and delays in air and rail services. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an orange alert, forecasting continued downpours accompanied by gusty winds and thunderstorms over the next few hours.

Key areas like Marine Drive, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus, Andheri, and Kurla witnessed significant flooding. The Andheri subway had to be shut down due to the rising water levels, leading to major traffic snarls and frustrating delays for commuters across the city.

Daily travelers, including office-goers and students, faced a tough morning as waterlogged roads and slippery surfaces slowed movement in several parts of South Mumbai and the Western suburbs. Visuals on social media showed residents wading through knee-deep water, while others took refuge under shelters.

The Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport also felt the impact of the relentless rains. Leading airlines such as IndiGo and SpiceJet issued travel advisories to passengers, citing delays and possible disruptions in both incoming and outgoing flights. Travelers have been urged to check the latest status of their flights through official apps or airline websites before heading to the airport.

According to IMD, rainfall activity is expected to persist with intermittent heavy showers. Winds reaching speeds of 30–40 km/h, along with lightning and thunderstorms, may further impact the city’s infrastructure. Earlier marked with a yellow alert, the weather warning was upgraded to orange, indicating the possibility of severe disruptions and urging caution.

Daytime temperatures are expected to remain between 25°C and 31°C, with partly cloudy skies and high humidity prevailing throughout the day.

Municipal authorities have urged residents to:

• Avoid unnecessary travel, especially in low-lying areas

• Stay updated through official weather bulletins

• Carry umbrellas or raincoats

• Exercise caution on slippery roads and at railway platforms

With the monsoon season intensifying, Mumbai is expected to receive more rainfall through the week. The civic administration remains on alert, with emergency services prepared to respond to rain-related challenges.