Bittersweet monsoon for Mumbaikars as rains bring traffic woes besides respite

With the monsoon well on its way, Mumbaikars are now playing host to its usual traffic woes as water-logging and power outages are putting a dampener on the respite the rains have brought.

With local train service, which is called as the lifeline of the 'business capital', severely affected because of heavy rains, people of Mumbai have been forced to face a lot of difficulties.

The Western Railway of the Mumbai suburban network came to a halt after someone stole a battery box at the Mahim Electric Sub Station.

Adding to the woes, auto rickshaws and taxis have decided to go on a strike opposing Ola and Uber Taxi services.

But this is not the first time that Mumbaikars are facing this trouble as every monsoon, railway services in the city gets disrupted due to water logging on the tracks which lead to signal failures. Consequently, lakhs of commuters are affected.

Every year, the railways take several precautions to prevent by working on Signalling and Telecommunication (S&T) and Civil works, but the incidents of signal failures occur proving the railways claims to be wrong.

Central Railway PRO AK Jain told ANI that they are keeping their focus primarily on Suburban network now as it is working day today and rush hour is to begin soon.

"We are updating alerting our commuters through our tweeter and Whatsapp network regularly since early morning. We have requested some FM channels also to spread the word so that commuters can plan in a better way," he said.

"We are on wait and watch mode, keeping close watch, if rain continues, we will issue new alerts and advisory," he added.

The PRO also informed that they advised BEST (the transport wing of Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport Undertaking) for arranging extra buses.

Due to heavy rain, water logging at Mankhurd, Track Down at Vidya Vihar Thane, Vikroli Bhandup CR main and harbour line train services affected

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis had on Friday reviewed the rain situation prevailing in the city following heavy rains and problems related to water logging at the disaster management room and assured that his government will be able to handle the situation.

Seasonal rains in Mumbai began after the southwest monsoon hit the western coast last week.

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has reportedly asked residents not to venture out of their homes unless 'absolutely necessary'.

The BMC had earlier ordered schools in Mumbai to close in view of the heavy rain and problems related to water logging.