Mumbai rain: Schools and Colleges closed on Sept 26 as flights and trains face major disruptions

Heavy rains in Mumbai have submerged rail tracks at Kurla, Bhandup, and Vikhroli, leading to delays of up to an hour on the Central Railway (CR) line. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a warning for severe thunderstorms, lightning, and heavy rainfall across districts like Mumbai, Palghar, and Satara. Winds of 40-50 km/h are expected to hit certain areas, further worsening conditions.

The IMD has placed Mumbai and nearby regions under a red alert, urging people to stay indoors and take precautions if they need to step out.

Flight and train delays

Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport has faced disruptions due to the bad weather. An Indigo flight had to divert to Ahmedabad after facing strong winds. As of 9:56 PM, 14 flights bound for Mumbai have been diverted. More delays are expected as the weather continues to worsen. SpiceJet has also warned that flights may be affected and urged passengers to check flight statuses online.

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The suburban train network is also experiencing delays due to the flooding of tracks. Announcements have been made that trains won’t be stopping at stations like Nahur, Kanjurmarg, and Vidyavihar, causing even more chaos for commuters. Train services on the western line have also been affected, leading to large crowds at Churchgate station.

Schools closed, rain forecast to continue

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has announced that all schools and colleges in Mumbai will remain closed in response to the IMD's heavy rain forecast. The BMC has also advised residents to leave their homes only if necessary.

The IMD predicts more rain and thunderstorms for the next two to three days across Mumbai, Konkan, Madhya Maharashtra, and Marathwada. Rainfall could range between 64.5 mm and 204.4 mm, with some areas potentially receiving more than 204.5 mm. Thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty winds are expected to continue in the region during this period, increasing the risk of more disruptions.