Mumbai came to a near standstill on Tuesday as the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) announced the closure of all government and semi-government offices, excluding essential services, following a red alert warning by the India Meteorological Department (IMD). The civic body also appealed to private firms to allow employees to work from home and avoid unnecessary travel.
According to officials, the city recorded heavy rainfall in the past 24 hours—186.43 mm in the island city, 208.78 mm in the eastern suburbs, and 238.19 mm in the western suburbs. The IMD has predicted “very heavy to extremely heavy” rainfall in Mumbai and its suburbs through Tuesday, with gusty winds reaching 45–55 kmph.
Commuters faced waterlogging in low-lying areas such as Dadar, Matunga, Parel and Sion, with similar reports from Hindmata, Andheri Subway, the Eastern Express Highway, Mumbai-Gujarat Highway and the Eastern Freeway. Despite complaints, railway officials maintained that water levels remained below the tracks, although services on the Central and Harbour lines were delayed. Western Railway also reported minor delays due to poor visibility.
To add to the chaos, a technical snag in the signalling system between Ambivali and Shahad early in the morning disrupted suburban services, causing further delays for passengers. With high tide expected at 8.53 pm, authorities have urged citizens to remain cautious and avoid venturing out unless necessary.
