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Mumbai rains LIVE updates: Tracks submerge under water every monsoon, paralysing the local train services in Mumbai, but the Railways has not taken any concrete steps to prevent it, the Bombay High Court said on Tuesday. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis told the Assembly that around 150 additional suction pumps have been installed across the city, and in addition to it the existing water releasing system was working full throttle. He said that administration was asked to stay vigilant and all due steps were being taken to ease the situation. Members of NDRF team have reached at the Nalasopara station to rescue and help the stranded passengers there. The team is helping Western Railways and RPF to distribute food packets amid stranded passangers and in initiating rescue operations. The Western Railway has sought NDRF and Indian Coast Guard’s help to rescue passengers stranded in an outstation train between Nallasopara and Virar. Skymet Weather said in a tweet that Santacruz recorded 38 millimetres of rain in the last three hours. Meanwhile, in the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said that a total of 11 places were waterlogged in the city and the disaster management officials were taking efforts to provide assistance to locals. Maharashtra education minister Vinod Tawde told reporters on Tuesday the disaster management authorities reported no situation of water logging in Mumbai. “Concerned authorities are keeping a track of the situation.There’s nothing to worry as disaster management is ready to face any situation,” he said. While several schools and colleges stayed closed on Tuesday, Education Minister Vinod Tawde said that the educational institutions don’t need to remain shut as the situation in Mumbai “is not as bad” as Monday. Several outstation trains on Western Railway line were short-terminated or cancelled. Due to heavy rains and water logging at Nallasopara, all outstation trains arriving on Mumbai Western Railway are “indefinitely late” to arrive in Mumbai, the Western Railway divisional railway manager (Mumbai) said in a tweet. The Central Railway said in a tweet that trains are running with caution in some “chronic sections” such as Sion-Matunga due to very heavy rains. Meanwhile, the Western Railway suspended AC local train services in Mumbai in view of the heavy rainfall and the waterlogging at Nallasopara station. Heavy rain brought Mumbai and its neighbouring areas to a standstill on Monday, flooding streets and badly affecting life, with nearly 90 trains on the suburban network being cancelled. The rainfall led to traffic snarls as many roads and streets in the metropolis were flooded and people were seen wading through knee-deep water. A 43-year-old woman riding a motorcycle as a pillion was crushed by a bus after the vehicle hit a water-logged pothole in adjoining Thane district of Maharashtra on Sunday. The shocking incident was captured on CCTV cameras. Due to water-logging, around 300 people were stuck in their homes in Vasai town of the adjoining Palghar district. However, they refused to be evacuated even as the water-level receded, a district information officer said. The residents preferred to stay in their homes instead of relocating to some temporary shelter in response to the district administration’s appeal for evacuation, he said. Some of them accepted food packets given by the administration, he said. “We have kept an ambulance near their homes as a precautionary measure,” the officer said. The downpour of 170 millimetres (recorded in Colaba observatory for the Mumbai city) from 8.30 am on Sunday morning till 8.30 am on Monday was the highest in a 24-hour period during the current monsoon season, the Meteorological Department’s Deputy Director General, KS Hosalikar, said. From 8.30 am to 5.30 pm on Monday, the Colaba observatory recorded a rainfall of 104.8 mm. The Santacruz observatory, which records rainfall for suburban Mumbai, reported the downpour of 122 mm during the 24-hour period from 8.30 am yesterday and 75 mm from 8.30 am to 5.30 pm today. According to the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), the metropolis has received 54 per cent of its average monsoon season rainfall just in the last 20 days. The rainfall slowed down the pace of the financial capital, which is heavily dependent on local train services. Though the intensity of showers receded as the day progressed, it took longer time for the city traffic to revert to its pace. As many as 87 local services on the Central Railway (CR) and the Western Railway were cancelled today due to the heavy rain, said officials. Vehicles on many roads were seen crawling because of the rainfall and low visibility. Potholes compounded the problem. Schools and colleges were shut in Mumbai, while the Mumbai University said examinations will be rescheduled for students who could not appear for them today. There was heavy water-logging in Mumbai’s central areas of Kurla, Sion and Dadar. Mira Road (in adjoining Thane district), Nallasopara and Vasai (in Palghar district) were largely affected due to the heavy showers. Train services of the Central Railway and the Western Railway were slightly delayed due to water-logging on rail tracks in some places, the officials said. The Western Railway cancelled 50 of the nearly 1,500 suburban services operated by it on weekdays due to flooding on three tracks near Nallasopara station. Only two tracks were operational today. The Western Railway deployed high-power pumps to take out water from tracks, but this did not help in avoiding delay in running of trains. Thousands of people could not reach their offices, while many others arrived late. The Central Railway cancelled 37 services, out of the daily 1,700, early in the day because of water-logging on tracks between Sion and Matunga stations. However, the situation improved in the second half of the day as normal local services resumed. Some long-distance trains to Gujarat and northern states were halted at Borivali as tracks near Nallasopara and Virar were submerged. The trains left after a delay of about one hour, a spokesperson of the Western Railway said. Many government and semi-government establishments curtailed their office hours to allow their employees to leave for home early. Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST) buses were slightly delayed, but no service was cancelled or suspended, a BEST spokesperson said. The city’s neighbouring areas got even more rain and roads were submerged. Visibility at the Mumbai airport was “not very good” but flights were operating according to schedule, an Met official said, adding no warning has been issued for the aviation sector so far. The meteorological department has forecast more heavy rain in Mumbai till Tuesday. Hosalikar said the intensity of rains in the city’s neighbouring districts of Palghar, Raigad and some parts in the south Konkan region was even more “vigorous” with these areas receiving 200 mm rainfall since Monday.
Mumbai rains updates: HC pulls up railways over flooded tracks, says consider privatisation if can't maintain services
The Western Railway has sought NDRF and Indian Coast Guard’s help to rescue passengers stranded in an outstation train between Nallasopara and Virar.
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A food special train, carrying about 2,000 food packets, was run from Mumbai Central to Naigaon for stranded passengers
Passengers being rescued at Nallasopara after trains got stuck
Bombay HC pulls up authorities over Mumbai rains, asks why no measures taken when tracks go under water every monsoon
Tracks submerge under water every monsoon, paralysing the local train services in Mumbai, but the Railways has not taken any concrete steps to prevent it, the Bombay High Court said today.
A division bench of Justices NH Patil and GS Kulkarni was hearing a PIL seeking a direction to the railways to make stations and platforms disabled-friendly.
“Every year during monsoons tracks get submerged in water in low-lying areas. Why can not the Railways identify such spots and elevate the tracks?” Justice Kulkarni asked. If the Railways were not able to manage this, it should consider privatisation, the court said.
Details of long-distance trains cancelled/short terminated /diverted by Western Railways
Next high tide expected to hit Mumbai coast at 9.28 pm today
WR arrangers buses for passengers of long-distance trains
Central Railway, Harbour line trains running with 15-20 minutes delay
Santa Cruz recorded 106 mm rainfall since morning
According to Skymet Weather , the Santa Cruz observatory recorded 106 mm of rain since morning. The weather situation is expected to worsen in the next few hours as IMD predicts heavy downpour over until tomorrow. The area has surpassed its monthly average quota of of 840.7 mm, which it surpassed today as the local observatory recorded 860mm rainfall.
450 passengers of Vadodara Express rescued from Nalasopara
About 450 passengers onboard the Vadodara express, which got stuck between Nalasopara and Virar stations have been rescued. Western Railways tweeted that they have been brought to the Nalasopara station. Buses are being arranged from Vasai Road anr Virar for the passengers to help them with further commute through the suburban rail network.
NDRF team reaches Vasai to help stranded people in Palghar district
Members of NDRF have reached Vasai and is working to rescue more than 400 people, mostly salt pan workers and their families, stranded in Palghar district, The Times of India reported.
Heavier than usual traffic on Western Express Highway; Harbour line, CR trains running late
Commuters who would be heading back from South Bombay towards Western suburbs should note that heavier than usual traffic is being reported on Western Express Highway, Kalina-Wakola Flyover, RPF colony, Golibar road, New Link Road and stretches of Aarey Road.
Traffic conditions are slightly better on Swami Vivekanad Road near Andheri East and the Juhu Versova Link Road as of now.
BJP leaders Sambit Patra, Keshav Upadhye wade through knee-deep water to reach party office
An Air India Express flight lands at Mumbai Airport, overshooting the runway
“Air India Express flight IX 213 from Vijayawada to Mumbai, landed and came to a sudden halt deep into the runway at 2:51 pm, overshooting the runway. Now Air India Express’ engineering team is inspecting the aircraft at Mumbai airport. All passengers are safe,” KS Sunder CEO Air India Express told ANI .
NDRF, RPF teams bring stranded Vadodara express passengers to Nalasopara station
According to the Western Railways, NDRF and RPF teams that had been deployed to rescue the railway passengers stranded between Nalasopara and Virar stations, have initiated the rescue operations.
The passengers of 12928 Vadodara Express, which is stranded between Nallasopara-Virar, to Nallasopara station. Extra buses have been arranged to take them to the nearest station for further commute by suburban services. Food packets and water was also distributed among the passangers
Western Railways services hit by heavy downpour; premium trains like Rajdhani, Shatabdi stand cancelled
The heavy rainfall that lashed the maximum city on Tuesday has crippled the Western Railway’s services. Premium trains, including August Kranti Rajdhani Express and Rajkot – Mumbai Duronto Express stood cancelled. Several other trains were rescheduled, while passengers of Vadodara express were stranded near Nalasopara station with up to 400mm water levels on tracks.
The power supply of a Shatabdi Express had to be cut off temporarily as a precautionary measure, while food packets and snacks were distributed among passengers of various trains.
Central, Harbour Line trains running late by roughly 30 minutes
Maximum rainfall recorded in Mumbai’s Goregaon
Mumbai bus routes diverted due to waterlogging
According to the disaster management department, bus routes via Sion road number 24 is diverted through Sion road number 3, at Rani Laxmibai Chowk.
Over 400 people stranded in Maharashtra’s Palghar; communication to 40 villages cut
In Palghar district, 400 people were stranded and communication to 40 villages was cut off. Defence helicopters also could not take-off for relief and rescue work due to the inclement weather. Palghar district has received unprecedented rainfall, following which the district administration has been asked to stay on high alert.
150 additional pumps set up in Mumbai; govt closely monitoring situation, Devendra Fadnavis tells Assembly
Maharashtra chief minister Devendra Fadnavis said that an additional 150 pumps have been deployed in Mumbai to drain out rainwater from flooded areas. He said that the pumping systems were all working at full capacity.
“The state administration is monitoring the situation and keeping a close watch to ensure people do not face any hardship,” Fadnavis said.
He said if necessary, a holiday will be declared for schools as the weather department has predicted very heavy rains for the next three to four days.
“If necessary, the government will take an appropriate decision,” Fadnavis said.
35 members of NDRF team reach Nalasopara railway station to help stranded commuters
Byculla Police station waterlogged
According to a report by Times Now, some of the most shocking visuals were streamed from the Byculla police station. The police station is completely waterlogged on the outside and a raised platform is being used to enter the police station.
Heavy water-logging reported at King’s Circle near Matunga
Roads turn into rivers in Mumbai’s Ghatkopar: Watch citizens commute using boats
BMC advises citizens to stay wary of rumours, says no cyclone warning, sea link not closed
The city’s municipal corporation has advised citizens to stay wary of the rumours being spread. The municipal body clarified that the Bandra Sea Link is completely functional and there is no cyclone warning issued. The body advised citizens to get in touch with the MCGM’s Disaster Management Department in case of an emergency, at 1916.
Huge crack appears in Kalyan-Thane flyover; heavy traffic conditions along the route
News reports say that a massive crack has appeared in the Kalyan-Thane bridge following heavy rainfall. Commuters are facing heavy traffic along the route.
NDRF, coast guard approached to rescue stranded passengers
In a tweet, the Western Railway said that it had approached the NDRF and the coast guard to help in providing relief to the passengers stranded in an outstation train between Nallasopara and Virar.
Quoting the Western Railway PRO, Hindustan Times reported that the officials are neither able to rescue the stranded passengers, nor reverse the trains as water level is above 500 millimetres.
Tree uprooted in Navi Mumbai’s CBD Belapur
According to reports, a tree uprooted and fell in the Konkan Bhavan area in CBD Belapur. Few cars were damaged in the incident.
Visuals from Matunga; heavy rains lead to waterlogging
Visual from Elphinstone Road; people walk in knee-deep water on station road outside One Indiabulls
image courtesy: Devparna Acharya/Firstpost
11 places waterlogged, says Devendra Fadnavis
In the Maharashtra Assembly, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said that 11 places in Mumbai were waterlogged and 150 additional pumps have been deployed to clear the water. He added that the state government will also consider to extend date of admissions for various courses if the situation demands.
Santacruz recorded 38 mm rains in last 3 hours
Private weather forecasting agency Skymet Weather said in a tweet that Santacruz recorded 38 millimetres of rain in the last three hours. Heavy rains are expected to continue in the city and its neighbouring areas. Gujarat, Konkan, Goa and Madhya Pradesh are likely to observe vigorous monsoon conditions on Tuesday.
Watch: Road traffic affected in Parel due to heavy rains
Video courtesy: Prannoy Palav/Firstpost
Vinod Tawde says disaster management reported no waterlogging in Mumbai
Maharashtra education minister Vinod Tawde told reporters on Tuesday the disaster management authorities reported no situation of water logging in Mumbai. “Concerned authorities are keeping a track of the situation.There’s nothing to worry as disaster management is ready to face any situation,” he said.
Ashish Shelar raises concerns over situation in Mumbai
In the state Assembly, Mumbai BJP chief Ashish Shelar raised concerns over the situation in Mumbai. He asked for the steps taken by the Disaster Management Cell in view of the heavy rains and demanded that emergency holiday should be declared for schools and colleges.
Train services suspended between Bhayander and Virar
The Western Railway said in a tweet that the services between Bhayander and Virar have been suspended due to heavy rains and waterlogging. Trains between Bhayander and Churchgate are running with some delay in schedule.
Video shot at Lower Parel station. Courtesy: Prannoy Palav/Firstpost
Railway authorities make food arrangements for passengers stuck in outstation trains
Several long-distance trains have been regulated at various stations at or beyond Virar due to the high water level on tracks at Nallasopara. The railway authorities are making arrangements to provide food packets and water to passengers in some of these trains.
Several educational institutions remain shut today; Vinod Tawde says they can function normally
While several schools and colleges are closed, Education Minister Vinod Tawde was quoted as saying by News18 that the educational institutions need not stay shut on Tuesday as the situation in Mumbai “is not as bad” as Monday.
Water level rises at Nallasopara
The Western Railway said that the incessant heavy downpour had led to an increase in the water level at the railway tracks at Nallasopara, making it “impossible” to run trains between Nallasopara and Virar. The Western Railway divisional railway manager (Mumbai Central) is present at the site.
Several outstation trains short-terminated or cancelled
The Twitter handle of the Western Railway divisional railway manager (Mumbai) tweeted, “Due to heavy rains and water logging at Nallasopara, all outstation trains arriving on Mumbai Western Railway are indefinitely late to arrive in Mumbai.”
Image courtesy: Twitter@drmbct
