Mumbai was once again brought to a standstill as heavy monsoon rains drenched the city on Monday, leading to severe waterlogging, particularly in South Bombay (SoBo), the city’s upscale locality. Social media erupted with videos capturing submerged streets, stranded vehicles, and frustrated commuters battling knee-deep water.
One viral clip showed rainwater rushing through the roads of South Mumbai, where cars waded through the deluge. A user humorously commented, “1 BHK rent is 1 lakh per month here, welcome to SoBo!” Another video showed a man floating on a makeshift raft amid stalled vehicles, captioned, “Mumbaikars office jathe hue” (Mumbaikars on their way to office). These visuals highlighted the everyday struggle of Mumbaikars coping with inadequate drainage systems despite the city’s status as India’s financial hub.
Several users criticized the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) and government authorities for their failure to address persistent flooding issues. One user pointed out the irony, saying, “4th Largest Economy but water logging, pathetic roads and BMC issues alerts to stay safe home after everyone has left already for office. What’s the point of GDP? What’s the point of taxes?”
Notable landmarks were also affected. Videos showed the Brabourne Stadium and Cricket Club of India (CCI) grounds completely waterlogged after the relentless downpour that started late Sunday. Areas like Dadar, Colaba, Bhendi Bazar, and Mohammad Ali Road faced knee-deep water, with many roads still submerged by morning, disrupting traffic and daily life.
In a related disruption, Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation (MMRC) announced the suspension of services on Metro Line 3 between Acharya Atre Chowk and Worli due to waterlogging at the underground Acharya Atre Chowk station. Videos circulating on social media revealed extensive flooding inside the station, including platforms, ticket counters, staircases, and escalators. The false ceiling had collapsed in places, and electrical equipment was scattered and soaked.
This incident has raised serious questions about the construction quality and monsoon preparedness of the 33-km-long Colaba-BKC-Aarey underground metro corridor, Mumbai’s first fully underground metro line, still under phased completion. As of 7 pm, services from Acharya Atre Chowk remained suspended, with no official update yet on when the metro would resume operations.
The Mumbai monsoon once again exposes the city’s vulnerability to heavy rains, impacting daily commuters and stirring frustration on social media, especially among those living in the city’s poshest neighborhoods. As the rains continue, the focus turns to how swiftly authorities can address these challenges to keep the city afloat.
Sources By Agencies
