Heavy downpour paralyses normal life in Mumbai

Incessant rains lashing Mumbai since last night disrupted normal life resulting in suspension of train services on the busy Central, Harbour and Western lines due to water-logging of tracks and in low-lying areas. Thousands of commuters, bound for offices and other work places, were caught unaware at suburban stations around Mumbai as railways announced suspension of services.

While Central line connects Mumbai CST to far-flung areas like Kasara, Badlapur, Ambernath etc., Harbour Line connects CST to Panvel. Western line starts from Churchgate and is recently extended up to Dahanu. In total, around 70-80 lakh people travel daily by local trains across all three lines, which are called as lifeline of Mumbai. Railway sources said it is difficult to say by when the services would be resumed. The city has been battered by heavy rains since last night. Meanwhile, rain services on the Western line were also cancelled.

Sion, Santacruz, Andheri, Parel, Ghatkopar, Matunga and several other suburban areas are reportedly water-logged. Trains at Andheri railway station are said to be running till Bandra and not further. The trains plying on platforms for Churchgate are running till Borivli and Virar.