Mumbai Reels Under Heavy Rainfall:
Mumbai woke up to a waterlogged Monday morning on July 21, 2025, as heavy overnight rainfall brought the financial capital to a virtual standstill.
The city experienced significant disruptions across multiple sectors, with the Andheri subway being completely shut down due to severe waterlogging, forcing authorities to divert traffic through alternative routes.
The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) attributed the intense rainfall to a low-pressure system developing over the Bay of Bengal, which has enhanced rainfall activity across Maharashtra’s coastal regions.
The weather system is expected to bring continued precipitation throughout the week, with moderate to heavy showers predicted until July 26.
Current Weather Situation and IMD Alerts
Rainfall Data and Measurements
The city recorded substantial rainfall across different regions during the 24-hour period ending at 8 AM on Monday:
- Island City: 23.45 mm average rainfall
- Eastern Suburbs: 36.42 mm
- Western Suburbs: 50.02 mm (highest impact zone)
- Santacruz Observatory: 115 mm between Sunday and Monday morning
Weather Alerts and Warnings
The IMD has issued multiple alerts for Mumbai and surrounding regions:
- Orange Alert: Mumbai Suburban (upgraded from yellow)
- Yellow Alert: Thane, Palghar, Raigad, Ratnagiri, Sindhudurg, Latur, and Beed
- Extended Forecast: Heavy rainfall expected on July 22-23 (17.35mm and 21.12mm respectively)
The weather department predicts partly cloudy skies with moderate rain or thunderstorms throughout Monday, accompanied by lightning and gusty winds reaching speeds of 30-40 km/h.
Major Infrastructure Disruptions
Andheri Subway: The Critical Bottleneck
The Andheri subway closure has emerged as the most significant transport disruption, with authorities reporting 2 feet of water accumulation forcing complete shutdown for vehicular movement.
Traffic has been diverted via:
- Gokhale Bridge
- Thackeray Bridge
This east-west connector serves as a crucial link in Mumbai’s transport network, and its closure has created massive traffic congestion across the western suburbs.
The subway’s saucer-shaped topography makes it particularly vulnerable to flooding, as water from elevated surrounding areas flows downstream into the depression.
Key Waterlogged Areas and Traffic Impact
Mumbai Traffic Police have identified several critical waterlogging points affecting vehicular movement:
| Location | Water Level | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Andheri Subway | 2 feet | Complete closure |
| Kurla S.C.L.R. Bridge | Significant | Slow traffic movement |
| Centaur Bridge (Vakola) | Waterlogged | Northbound traffic affected |
| S.R.P.F Gate (Jogeshwari) | 1 foot | Southbound delays |
| Vakola Bridge (Panbai School) | 0.5 feet | Northbound congestion |
| Ramnagar Subway (WEH) | Waterlogged | Highway disruption |
Public Transportation Status
Local Train Services:
- Trains running with 20-25 minute delays on Harbour and Central lines
- Western, Central, and Harbour lines operational but experiencing minor delays
- No major disruptions reported despite heavy rainfall
Highway Conditions:
- Western Express Highway: Slow movement due to Ramnagar Subway waterlogging
- Eastern Express Highway: Traffic congestion during morning rush hours
Regional Impact and Affected Areas
High-Risk Zones
Weather experts have identified specific areas experiencing intense rainfall at 70-90 mm per hour:
- Andheri-Ghatkopar stretch
- Kurla and Ghatkopar
- Powai
- BKC (Bandra-Kurla Complex)
- Chembur
South Mumbai and Central Areas
Heavy downpours have affected prominent locations in South Mumbai:
- Marine Drive: Partially waterlogged roads with people seeking shelter
- Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus area: Flooded due to overnight rainfall
- Fort, Worli, Haji Ali, Mahalaxmi: Expected to receive heavy rains
Tidal Conditions and Flood Risk
High Tide Timings for July 21, 2025
The combination of heavy rainfall and high tides has amplified flood risks:
- First High Tide: 9:19 AM (3.91 metres)
- Second High Tide: 8:31 PM (3.38 metres)
- Low Tides: 2:08 AM (0.7 metres) and 3:13 PM (2.28 metres)
The morning high tide coinciding with heavy rainfall has significantly increased waterlogging risks in low-lying areas, while the evening high tide may hamper drainage efficiency.
Historical Context: Andheri Subway’s Persistent Problem
Recurring Flooding Issues
The Andheri subway has a troubling history of frequent closures during monsoon seasons:
- 2024: Shut down at least 35 times between June-October
- 2023: Closed 21 times during monsoon period
- May 2025: Previously flooded during unseasonal rains
Topographical Challenges
The subway’s watershed location with steep gradients causes water to rush in at high speeds during rainfall.
The Mogra nullah, originating 2 kilometers away, passes downstream and overflows into the subway during heavy rains, contributing to persistent waterlogging.
Proposed Solutions and Future Plans
The BMC has explored various solutions, including a ₹200 crore drainage augmentation project that was later cancelled due to cost-benefit concerns.
Current plans involve:
- Holding pond construction in consultation with IIT Bombay
- Temporary water storage systems during heavy rainfall
- Improved drainage capacity from current 20mm to 55mm rainfall handling
Extended Weather Forecast
Week Ahead Predictions
The IMD forecasts continued rainfall patterns for Mumbai:
- July 22: Partly cloudy with thunderstorms, lightning, and strong winds
- July 23-24: Heavy rainfall expected (up to 21.12mm)
- July 25-26: Moderate showers continuing
- Temperature Range: Consistent 26.6°C to 29°C throughout the week
Monsoon Activity Intensification
The low-pressure system over Bay of Bengal is expected to maintain enhanced rainfall activity across Maharashtra’s coastal belt, indicating sustained wet conditions for the region.
Safety Advisories and Precautions
IMD Recommendations
The weather department has issued specific advisories for Mumbai residents2:
- Exercise caution during evening hours commuting
- Avoid waterlogged areas and low-lying zones
- Monitor weather updates regularly for changing conditions
- Plan alternate routes considering major road closures
Traffic Management Measures
Mumbai Traffic Police continue monitoring and managing traffic flow through:
- Real-time updates on waterlogged routes
- Traffic diversions around affected areas
- Coordination with civic authorities for rapid drainage
Water Reservoir Status
The recent rainfall has positively impacted Mumbai’s water supply situation. According to BMC data, the combined stock in seven reservoirs stands at 81.86% of total capacity, amounting to 11,84,796 million litres.
This significant improvement in water levels provides relief for the city’s water supply concerns.
Mumbai’s encounter with heavy rainfall on July 21, 2025, has once again highlighted the city’s vulnerability to monsoon-related disruptions.
The closure of Andheri subway and widespread waterlogging across key areas demonstrates the persistent infrastructure challenges facing India’s financial capital.
While the immediate focus remains on managing traffic diversions and ensuring public safety,
the recurring nature of these flooding issues, particularly at critical junctions like the Andheri subway, underscores the urgent need for comprehensive long-term solutions.
With the IMD predicting continued rainfall throughout the week, Mumbai residents and authorities must remain prepared for similar conditions.
The city’s resilience will be tested as it navigates through this extended period of monsoon intensity, balancing immediate crisis management with the imperative for sustainable urban planning solutions.
