Heavy rainfall has affected Maharashtra’s Palghar district for the fourth consecutive day, significantly disrupting normal activities and transport. Roads have been submerged, leading to suspended train services and prompting commuters to navigate long distances along railway tracks to reach their homes. On Tuesday, significant portions of Vasai were heavily flooded, with roads resembling rivers and numerous vehicles either struggling through knee-deep water or breaking down.

The situation deteriorated throughout the afternoon as train services heading towards Virar faced interruptions due to rising water levels on the tracks, leaving many passengers stranded. Commuters reported long wait times and uncertainty about when services would resume.

Areas including Evershine City in Vasai East experienced severe flooding, necessitating that residents utilise tractors to traverse the waterlogged Vasai-Nalasopara Link Road. Tractor operators charged Rs 100 per passenger for transport to the nearest railway station, as conventional vehicles were rendered almost completely unusable. For some residents, remaining indoors was not an option.

Innovative Commuting Solutions Amidst Flooding

Faced with the flooding, some individuals took matters into their own hands, with one resident modifying his motorcycle by extending the exhaust pipe to keep it operational in flooded conditions, allowing him to reach a passport office by a crucial deadline. He noted the novelty of his solution and how it worked effectively in this critical moment.

Another commuter, Magesh, experienced mechanical failure just as he arrived at the main road linking Vasai East and Vasai West. He expressed his determination to reach the railway station to catch a train to Andheri, where he is employed.

In a striking contrast, some individuals chose to venture out in luxury vehicles while donning raincoats, seemingly for the thrill of experiencing the monsoon despite the dire conditions. Meanwhile, the stagnant floodwaters caused alarm, as snakes were spotted swimming and children took to the streets to play in the knee-deep water.

Train Services Impacted as Commuters Seek Alternatives

The chaotic scene at Vasai Road railway station unfolded as information displays showed “00.00 hours” for all train services. Local train movement towards Virar was halted due to water levels exceeding safe operating thresholds. While most suburban services ended at Vasai Road, some long-distance trains continued past this point.

Uncertainty gripped commuters, with many unsure if trains would stop at Nalasopara or Virar. Consequently, some passengers attempted to cross railway tracks between platforms, while others opted to walk for long distances along the tracks in hopes of reaching home.

The situation incited frustration among commuters, who lamented the recurring nature of such disruptions each monsoon season. A hospital employee noted that she had observed similar conditions over the past decade, voicing her concern regarding the apparent lack of governmental response to these annual challenges.

The Western Railway responded to the situation by explaining that the suspension of services towards Virar was necessary due to the water levels surpassing safe operational limits. The railway’s Chief Public Relations Officer, Vineet Abhishek, assured that train movement towards Virar would resume once conditions improved. He also mentioned delays in services toward Churchgate caused by logistical challenges stemming from the flooding.

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